Gavin James Makinson
Eventing in the City
Age: 34
Location: Hackney, London. And yes the horses are only 1 mile away.
Other interests: Acting, singing, reading, fashion, film, music.
Favourite Eventing moment: A few…
-My first affiliated XC round at Witton Castle in 1993. Can still remember most of it stride by stride. Was on the most awesome XC horse I’m ever likely to sit on.
- My first Badminton as a teenage spectator
- Progressing with a horse you’ve produced from scratch. Proud barely covers it.
What is your favourite one day event? South of England. Love the set up there, permanent stables, hard standing car park, great going, good café, bar, shops and only an hour away!
What is your favourite International event? Burghley. Such a special place and the 2011 cross country course was awesome. Reminded me of why I wanted to be an event rider.
Which four team members would be in your multi-national fantasy Olympic eventing team? Willy Fox Pitt, Blyth Tait, Ginny Elliott and Piggy French.
Website: Click here
Facebook fan page: Click here
Twitter @gjmeventing
Favourite quotations: Work hard and be nice to people/ You make your own luck.
Essential piece of kit:
I’m RIDICULOUSLY fussy and specific about kit but here a few things;
- MacWet gloves. Took me ages to find the perfect glove but these are amazing for all 3 phases, even when soaking wet.
- Devoucoux saddles… Am fairly fickle with my bridles, but won’t ride in anything else saddle wise.
- Dalmar XC boots… Amazing leg protection but not too hot for tendons.
- Generally anything by Acavallo and Veredus, two very forward thinking Italian brands with fantastic design, modern materials and durability.
People and horses who inspire me:
People: William Fox Pitt, Carl Hester, Mark Todd, Piggy French, Lucinda Green, Blyth Tait, Ginny Elliott, Mary King, Edward Gal, all my trainers at Talland, Laura Collett, Lynne Crowden,
Horses: Valegro, Idalgo, Neville Bardos, Primmore’s Pride, Headley Brittania, Armada Master Craftsman,Delta, Murphy Himself, Opposition Buzz, Over to You.
Biog:
I’m 34 years old and originally from Lancashire. I now live in London. Was mad about horses and music as a child. Was talent spotted by Ian Woodhead as a 13 year old on a friend’s loan horse and with Ian’s help bought my first event horse, Rosslare VI in 1991 from Talland. With Rosslare I competed in Juniors and Young Riders successfully.
In 1995 started my Equine Science degree at Hartpury but with financial independence looming had a major career change in 1998 and started to train as an actor. Graduated from London’s Central School of Speech and Drama in 2000, and since have worked steadily as an actor and model in London and the UK, largely in Musical Theatre. In 2008 I started 3 years as the Bishop of Digne/ Combeferre in the West End’s production of Les Miserables.
After a12 year break, I came back to riding in May 2009 and bought 6 year old Cromwell with my earnings from Les Mis. We started eventing 12 weeks later and very quickly progressed up the grades from BE90 to CIC*. Cromwell missed most of 2011 with minor injury, but did successfully upgrade to Intermediate. I now also have his full 6 year old brother, Oscar Wilde, who started BE90s last July and progressed to Novice.
In June 2011 I finished Les Mis and currently am concentrating on my horses and working in film production to pay the bills. I will do some short acting job, but it gets very difficult trying to event with 6 day theatre weeks and limited holiday!
With two very talented siblings and my fantastic trainers, I am very excited about 2012. Aiming Cromwell towards CCI** at Hartpury and a late season advanced and Oscar Wilde towards 6yo CCI* championships at Osberton or Le Lion. All from central London!
