By Amy Griffiths Photography
Have you heard of Equi Travel Safe or Sport Horse Select? Today, you’re going to meet the founder of both of these businesses, Nicky Sutcliffe. Nicky is a member of the Small & Supercharged Mastermind group and, as part of my quest to get you to know more about the amazing people I work with, let me introduce you to Nicky…
Name: Nicky Sutcliffe
Business name: Sport Horse Select.
Whereabouts do you live? Stillington, just north of York.
In 10 words, tell us what your business does/sells/makes: I provide a variety of livery packages, horse training and compete BS.
Tell us why you started your business: I was horse mad from a toddler so it was inevitable I’d work with horses. I started Sport Horse Select in 2008 when we were lucky enough to move to our home with multiple stables. I love training horses and working through issues.
What’s your favourite event or show? I’d have to say the BS at Bramham International Horse Trials for a number of reasons. It’s one of our biggest local events, my horse loves their big grass arena, my friends and family come to watch and there is just a brilliant atmosphere.
Tell us about your four legged team members: My top horse is Cornelius III, or Cohen to his friends. He’s a giant grey warmblood who hates being bathed yet loves being filthy. He absolutely loves his job as a show jumper, especially the Spring/Summer season in the big grass arenas. We compete up to 1.40m against some of the countries top riders and he makes me look good. Together we are fearless and also best friends.
What’s your greatest achievement/pinch me moment in your business so far? Hard question! Other than competing Cohen, I’ve produced some brilliant horses who are now with top riders, such as Ciletto H, ridden by Ben Hobday. I’d say seeing people doing well with horses I’ve worked with fills me with pride.
Care to share a funny equestrian/business story?: I was once show jumping, feeling confident and probably showing off, when a filler blew down right in front of me as we were about to take off. The horse span and I ended up landing bum first in a decorative plant pot.
Best bit of business advice you’ve been given: You can’t do everything! But I didn’t listen and I still try.
Favourite equestrian brands: The Equi Travel Safe, I’m biased as I did invent it but I’d never travel a horse without it. The Comfy Horse Company who I brand ambassador for too; they have loads of products to keep the horse comfy. And my new KBF99 Shaving fork. Without this, my shoulders would have died mucking out the 16 stables I do daily.
One thing we might not know about you?: Before starting Sport Horse Select I working in a party and fancy dress shop where I became a qualified balloon artist.
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why? My grandad, he’s dead now but I’d love one more dinner with him. He was a truly fascinating man. John Whitaker for all his helpful tips and his secret to be still going at his age. And Mary King for all her stories.
What is your superpower? Positive mental attitude! Nothing gets me down and if it does, I get back up and try harder.
What’s your pet hate? When your socks fall down in your wellies!
Why did you join Small & Supercharged Mastermind? I’d started a new business with the Equi Travel Safe and I needed so much help! I’m in my 30’s and not down with the kids. My social game was weak and I felt I wasn’t getting the product noticed.
What’s the best thing about the group? I love the Mastermind Group as we’re all people in the same boat. We learn so much from Rhea, most of it I wasn’t even aware I needed to know. It’s about working smart and not hard. My favourite is the Facebook lives where we all get together and ask questions that Rhea helps us with It’s like having business support.
Tell us all the places where we can find you:
Insta nickyshs and equitravelsafe
Facebook www.facebook.com/sporthorseselect and www.facebook.com/equitravelsafe
Website www.sporthorseselect.co.uk and www.equitravelsafe.co.uk
