Neil Badcock dominated the Jump Canada Talent Squad Final at the 2014 Royal Horse Show, winning both classes over the two-day competition with Jessie Bonisteel’s seven-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Corrido. Badcock, 44, owns, manages and trains out of Standalone Farms in King City, ON, and has learned from the best in the sport on his way to the grand prix ring.
How were you introduced to horses?
I began riding at age eight when my mother signed me up for riding lessons at the Equerry Stables on Finch Avenue. I don’t come from a horsey family, but I always had an affinity for animals. Horses were a step up from the family cat! After a summer of riding camp, I signed up for regular lessons that fall, and subsequently joined the Finch branch of the Canadian Pony Club. I eventually moved to other barns, but always stayed very involved with Pony Club.
Describe the evolution of your career in the sport.
I owe so much to so many. Monica Taylor introduced me to dressage, and it was through her that I learned the finer points of flatwork and horsemanship. When I first met Monica, she advised me that although I had a decent eye for distances, my basic seat was terrible and I had no true balance. In my naïveté, I argued that I had been very successful in the equitation classes, so how could it be possible that I had a flawed seat?
She put me on the lunge line the next day and took away my stirrups and reins. You can imagine the utter horror that came over me when I nearly fell off within seconds! This was an important lesson for two reasons: it made me determined to master this new skill, which I eventually did, and it taught me humility.
Who has influenced you along the way?
Doug Henry is probably the most generous person I know. Not only has he been a huge help to me over the last 25 years, but he has helped countless others. I would not have been able to claw my way up to the grand prix level without him. Doug is a great horseman and an even better friend; he loves a challenge – horse or human – and I guess he considered me a pet project.
Olympic gold medalist Jim Elder was also a big influence. I walked in off the street and asked him if he would help me, and ten minutes later I was on a horse for a riding interview. It turned into a four-year ‘Elderberry degree’ in show jumping! It was such an important part of my development as a rider; a priceless experience.
What are some of the training philosophies and practices you use to keep your horses healthy and happy?
Beyond great riders, I have also learned from a slew of amazing horse care practitioners. I have learned that horses react out of pain, and when you remove it, training becomes much simpler. Equine dentist Kevin Rundle really brought this notion home for me. Kevin is one of the greatest horsemen I know, and I have learned so much watching him for the 17 years I have known him. When you take the sum total of all the knowledge these people have given me, it goes a long way towards forming a system of riding and training.
A key element to my success has been in learning the hands-on skills these people have taught me. I think it is an aspect of training that you can never be too good at. When you understand how the mechanics of the animal function, you start to see them with different eyes. Understanding anatomy and pathology is key, as you can fix little problems before they become big ones. If the horses are in discomfort, they cannot possibly give you their best. My feeling is that we have to accept the premise that the horse is basically a willing participant in this whole riding thing, and it is our job to ‘listen’ to the signs of discomfort and address them accordingly.
What are some of the greatest challenges you’ve faced in the industry?
It’s a hard sport to play without backing. I am very fortunate to have an owner like Jessie Bonisteel, and Corrido has done a good job of paying his way thus far. It’s good to have owners who have the same vision and are willing to back it. Horses like Corrido are hard to find, and I have to stop myself at times and remember to keep going slowly with him.
When the finances aren’t there to buy good horses, sometimes I get lucky and find one whose issues have been misdiagnosed or overlooked. The costs of developing horses are high in North America, and I try to be super careful with my clients’ budgets. Many riders nowadays will keep young prospects in Europe and have them developed there, as the costs are far less. I wish we could figure out a way of doing the same thing here. As trainers, we are constantly trying to figure out how to generate more sponsorship from owners, and there is no easy answer, I’m afraid.
Can you pinpoint one of the most important lessons that have you learned?
I have to remind myself to always have that microscope on hand and to always look deeper. It’s easy getting caught up in the day-to-day running of the farm and not have my eyes and ears open. Another great mentor, Ian Millar, once said: “Darwin’s theory states that the animal that does not evolve goes extinct.” He is living proof of that. As riders and trainers, we have to strive to be better every day.
Sometimes it’s not about drilling harder or longer in the saddle; I find the opposite. If we treat the horses as we do our star athletes, we can bring out the best in them. If we look at ‘problem’ horses with different eyes, we will see a different way of achieving that success.
