Our friends at Voltaire Designs conducted and interview with Bruce for his rider profile and it's now up on their site. Stay tuned for more information on Bruce's signing at their booth at Rolex!!
What is your business' name and where are you located?
Chesterland Farm located in Unionville, Pennsylvania, and Ocala, Florida during the winter months.
What discipline do you primarily compete in?
Eventing. I also have an extensive breeding program.
Can
you tell me a little bit about your history with horses? How did you
get into horses? Do you have family members in the business?
I
was a very small child when I got my first pony. I grew up on a farm
and did Pony Club and went foxhunting. I have lived a life of horses and
a life of loving and learning about horses. From Pony Club to Point to
Point Racing and Foxunting, showing, eventing and breeding. I have
pretty much done nothing but horses my entire life and that’s what I
love.
What are your future plans?
To
just keep maintaining the standard of producing horses and riders at a
high level and continue to be competitive at competitions. I also breed
horses, so I love to promote the ones we breed. My future plans are to continue to just do more of the same.
Photo by Susie Tuckerman
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I
love the whole process! I love foaling the mares and producing young
horses, and eventually later competing them. I enjoy whichever phase we
are currently in as long as I can continue to do it well.
Photo by Betty Kjellstrom
What's the best advice you have for a young rider wanting to become a professional?
Be prepared to work hard;
that is important no matter what your passion or what profession you
are in. It takes a lot of hard work to be successful at anything. Many
of the young people are looking for sponsors and an easy way through.
That may be one way, but it is better to work hard and work your way up
the levels. Always be willing to work for your goals.
Is there a certain horse that has changed your life? Or your career?
There
really isn’t one particular horse. Irish Cap was big in the revolution
of eventing for the U.S. in the early 70’s. Might Tango, the second time
was also unique winning back-to-back. I have had
such wonderful horses that I can’t say one in particular. Each one did
something special in their life and holds record in their own way. I have just been very lucky to have had the horses that I’ve had... and I probably haven’t even had the best one yet!
Do you have any superstitions or rituals when showing?
I
like to put my left sock on first, or my left pant leg or left arm for
luck, but I do that on a daily basis. I believe that only you can bring
your own luck to competitions.
Why did you choose Voltaire Design?
I
saw their banners and tent at competitions and I saw various people I
knew riding in Voltaire saddles at horse shows. When I sat in the saddle
and rode in it, I was immediately happy with it. I am involved with
Voltaire because I was truly impressed by the people that work there and
the quality of the products. Whether it’s Eric selling or fitting the
saddles, people in the factory making them, or other reps at shows;
everyone is really on the ball and does a good job with the company.
Which saddle do you currently ride in?
I
ride in all of the different Voltaire saddles, including the Lexington
monoflap jumping saddle, the Elkton monoflaps cross-country saddle and
the Adelaide dressage saddle.
Photo by Betty Kjellstrom
What is your favorite design feature?
I
have many favorites! We went to the Voltaire factory where I saw the
saddles being made and all that was involved. I saw the way they
carefully put the saddles together.
My
first concern with any saddle is that it fits my horse correctly. I can
fall out of any saddle, but I like it to stay on my horse where it
belongs, so it starts there. Also, the comfort factor; as soon as you sit in one you understand. They really do a good job of fitting them to the horse.
The
jumping saddle is a monoflap so it’s nice and tight. The buffalo hide
leather is fantastic and beautifully done. I never use any of the
spray-on products that make you stick to the tack because you don’t need
them in Voltaire saddles. They naturally allow you to ride really well
in them.
Photo by Betty Kjellstrom
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