SINCE winning the RDS show jumping bursary award and Young Rider championship in 2014, Comber show jumper and equine artist Sophie Dalm (23) has set her paint brushes aside to concentrate on her international career.
The talented horsewoman has built up an impressive team of horses and is currently touring in Europe, having made her debut on the senior squad for the Lisbon Nations Cup show last month.
“I was very excited to be selected for Lisbon. It was a huge learning curve and a great opportunity to be seen by selectors,” explained Dalm from her base at Angelique Horn’s yard in Holland. “I had a good show, the team and chef d’equipe Michael Blake were very supportive and I will build upon this in my work and preparation for future events at this level.”
However ambitious Sophie, who was second in the international Balmoral Grand Prix ahead of Lisbon with her “top boy”, the French-bred Remake Lande by Hym d’Isgny, is aiming towards selection for the international classes at the RDS.
“With the changes in the selection criteria, I’m hoping to have a shot at it for 2017. We won the CSI2* in Mullingar last year, placed fifth in his tour final in Spain and were runners up in the New Heights Champions Series at Louth.”
In addition, Sophie qualified easily with Remake Lande for the three star Grand Prix in Lisbon. “My mare Evita de Wulf, by Winningmood, is also very competitive and speedy at 1.40m level and won the 1.30m in Louth this year.”
Adding to her string of youngsters, Dalm brought on her eight-year-old Toulon gelding Jack VH Dennehof from his five-year-old year.
“He was runner-up in the prestigious Hankook Cavan Classic in 2016 and is now jumping 1.40m consistently with some good rounds in Spain, Portugal and Balmoral,” she stated. “He is very well bred out of Valencia, who is by Quidam de Revel. I think he was embryo transfer as I saw a recent video of his mother competing.”
A typical working day for Sophie is managing the barn from 7.45am and overseeing everything from feeding and grooming to exercise. “After breakfast the horses are walked out by hand and then I ride each of them; they go later in the paddocks if it is dry.
“The horses have an early lunch and we hand walk or exercise them again in the afternoon/evening. There is never a dull moment in the yard with farriers, physios, trainer and vet checks.”
Sophie’s mother Mandy is the award winning director of a leading Belfast PR firm, while her Dutch born father Pim is a Hotelier in North Down. Both parents commute at weekends to help out at shows. Sophie is a chip off the old block and no stranger to hard work.
“It’s always busy in the run up to shows, with clipping, washing, getting tack ready and packing the lorry. In between events, I enjoy caring for the horses and getting some down time together.”
Always on the lookout for exciting new horses, Sophie has added the seven-year-old Coldplay, by Centadel, to her string. She rates him highly. “He is showing great scope and potential to get to top level. Definitely one to watch!”
MEMORABLE
For the Co Down rider, who won her first trophy at Peninsula Equestrian Centre show when she was just two years old on a small Shetland pony, the journey has been every young girl’s dream.
Her most memorable moment was winning the RDS bursary and Young Rider final in the RDS. “Now each time I jump in something important, I try to achieve that feeling again.
“I have been very lucky to train with some of the top trainers in Ireland and beyond, through high performance bursary selections and private lessons.
“I was fortunate to be selected to work with the legendary Michel Robert for a high performance clinic of his several years ago. His techniques are so unique, but applying them in front of a large audience on a six-year-old was a learning curve!”
Dalm emphasises the importance of training. “Having someone on the ground whom you can trust to give you honest and credible feedback is invaluable. But there is always more to learn.” She believes that those who can stay at the top consistently have so much to teach other riders. “I have to confess, I do like to watch the top lady riders giving the men a run for their money.”
Nick Skelton was always one of her superheroes. “I have looked up to him since I was very young. Now that I am grown up and competing on the circuit, I admire him even more.
“Over the years he has had so many ups and downs, injuries and successes, but to win an Olympic gold at the age of 54 is just pure class. That he then retired with his horse Big Star shows the passion and respect he has for his horse, the sport and himself!”
Sophie admits there are not so many Irish female show jumpers at three star level and over as other countries.
“However there are some great female young riders and pony riders coming up through the ranks now, so I would like to think that as they gain experience and horse power, that they will get an equal chance with the boys.”
Advising ambitious youngsters, she added: “Work hard for your goals. Be involved with every aspect of managing horses as the knowledge you have of your horse and their behaviour provides a great foundation for producing them to their best.
“You can be on top of the world one day and ‘biting the dust’ the next. Keep going, moving forward and look upwards. This can be applied to many aspects of life.”
If Sophie could wave a magic wand are there any overall improvements she would make to show jumping?
“I know there are huge benefits associated with the money now being put into the sport, but as a young rider trying to make your way without infinite funding is pretty daunting.
“I hope prices do not continue to accelerate as they have over the past few years, and that the sport will still be accessible to those prepared to put in the work.”
In addition to the daily schedule she has added a pilates class to help with her fitness. “I really notice a difference with my core strength and balance now in addition to yard work and riding out.”
Sophie enjoys competing on the Irish Grand Prix circuit in Ireland. “At the moment it works well to base in Ireland and travel into Europe for three to four tours a year.
“To gain more experience of the bigger tracks and learn from higher levels of competition, I may eventually need to base and live in Europe.
“I would be keen to base abroad if I could get a good stable to work for which would support bringing a few of my own horses.”
SPECIAL HORSE
A special place in Sophie’s heart is her first competitive jumping horse, Unique. “I had him for three years and he brought me out of ponies with a huge amount of confidence and a real love for the sport.
“We travelled to European shows with him and his winnings paid for all our expenses. We also won the medium tour final at CSI2* Zuidwolde.”
During the season Sophie concentrates solely on her horses and year plan. However in the future she is considering taking embryos from her Winningmood mare. “I don’t have much experience or knowledge in this sector, but I think it is a good idea because the mare has fantastic technique and temperament.”
Five-star horses and riders such as Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Casall inspire Sophie.
“There are too many to name. I love to watch a horse that is totally true with its rider. Casall’s win on his last ever outing at LGCT Hamburg showed the undeniably unique relationship. It is a same for Nick and Big Star and Edwina Tops Alexander with Itot du Chateau.”
A talented equine artist, Dalm admits art has taken a back seat. “I completed my degree last June and sold all my work, I hope to find time to paint again as I think it’s important to have variety in life.”
But for the moment, the dandy brush has replaced the paint brush as Sophie’s show jumping career takes priority and Dublin Horse Show looms.
“I think any equestrians would say that the RDS is unbeatable for its electric atmosphere and heritage,” she concluded.
FACTFILE
NAME: Sophie Dalm
AGE: 23
BASE: Ro’slane Stables, Comber, Co Down and Holland
HORSES: Remake Lande, Evita de Wulf, Jack VH Dennehof, Coldplay
BEST MOMENT: Winning the RDS Young Riders at the 2014 Dublin Horse Show