Ten minutes with Nina Barbour

She’s the woman behind two of the biggest international fixtures in the UK equestrian calendar – but does Nina Barbour prefer starters or dessert? We ask this and more quick-fire questions with 10 minutes on the clock

Nina Barbour’s career has been firmly entrenched in the family business – running Cheshire’s beautiful Bolesworth Estate – for more than 20 years. In that time, she’s brought two of the UK’s most exciting shows to life – the Bolesworth and Liverpool Internationals. An accomplished rider, Nina’s passion for horses has seen her climb her way up the levels to jump on the international circuit – and is out competing regularly in a covid-free world.

Ahead of this year’s Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show, we were lucky enough to catch 10 minutes with Nina to ask the burning questions we’ve always wanted the answers to.

1. Hi Nina. Let’s start things off short and sweet – describe an average day running the Bolesworth Estate in three words.

Exciting, inspiring, diverse.

2. Infinite off-road hacking or an Olympic-worthy indoor arena?

Definitely the Olympic-worthy indoor arena. What can I say – I just love going round in circles!

3. Tell us about your greatest horsey achievement.

When I was eventing, it would’ve been any time I achieved a top 10 placing in an Advanced class – back in 2004 I finished ninth with Butterball Brown at Eglington. When it comes to showjumping, winning my first world ranking class and also going clear in a world ranking class (about two years ago)

4. Dressage or showjumping?

To do? Showjumping. I’d done a lot of dressage during my eventing career and I’ll be honest I just couldn’t master the sitting trot.

To watch? Still showjumping. Although I have to admit, if you could pull together the world’s top 10 dressage riders for a dressage to music competition, that’d be pretty magical to watch.

5. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

To look at the best in world, and those who inspire you, and take a few ideas from them. For Bolesworth, I’ve definitely been inspired by the Global Champions Tour (that was just getting started around the time I took over Bolesworth), as well as Spruce Meadows, Aachen and Hickstead. What makes it even better is that you’ve got to go and visit these places to keep to speed with your competitors.

6. What’s your favourite way to spend your downtime?

Spending time with my little boy, William, walking the dogs and seeing my friends. The best thing to come from the last year is that I’ve had a bit more time to do these things

7. Starter or dessert?

Dessert every time, and my dessert of choice would be apple crumble.

8. If you hadn’t taken on the family business, what would your ideal job be?

A lawyer, if I’d have put in the time to pursue it. I saw how much time and work my friends at Cambridge put into their studies and I think it’s definitely something I’d have enjoyed.

9. You’re next on karaoke – what’s your go-to song?

Don’t give me the mic! I shouldn’t and wouldn’t subject anyone to that.

10. Who’s your biggest horsey hero and why?

I’ve got so many! Andrew Nicholson, for his horsey advice. Jan Tops for everything he achieved within the sport and then for the sport by creating the Global Champions Tour. Cian O’Connor – again, for the incredible setup he’s created as his base. Also, Luis Alvarez – he’s an amazing trainer having showjumped and evented. He’s the Team Trainer to the NZ eventers, so hopefully when all of this covid stuff’s over I’ll be able to have some sessions with him, too.

11. Finally, what are you looking forward to most about Bolesworth this year?

Just getting the atmosphere back at our big Bolesworth events! It was so fantastic to get sport back last season, but it’s the atmosphere, being able to give people space to enjoy themselves and meet up with friends that was really lacking. It’d be great if we could get back to that this year.

For more information, visit bolesworthinternational.com