Winning 15 FEI classes in 5 months takes great talent and a top-notch string of horses—and for Conor Swail, a healthy supply of horse treats doesn’t hurt either.
“Whoever I’m riding gets a gets a little cookie or something before we start,” said Swail. “I think it sort of helps them to feel more relaxed when we go in the ring; then when you’re finished and you come out, they’re always looking for something which is nice as well. I always try and give them something going in and coming out as well; I want them to feel comfortable going into the ring as well as coming out of it.”
Coming out of the ring on Sunday at the Desert International Horse Park, Vital Chance de la Roque certainly earned extra treats from Swail, as the gelding jumped to victory in the $138,600 Sun Air Jets Grand Prix 1.55m CSI3*.
From a field of 35 entries, 10 horses and riders advanced to the short course designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade, and the best was saved for last.
