Rhiannon

~ Words by Samantha Mattocks (The Arabian Magazine) ~ written December 2006 

Rhiannon Jones barely needs an introduction. Daughter of Sue and Emrys Jones and younger sister to Ryan and Rhodri, Rhiannon has followed her family into the show-ring. At 24 years of age, she describes herself as an “old star” and is refreshingly down to earth. In this last issue of the year, Rhiannon talks to The Arabian Magazine about growing up with the Jones’.

Is it hard being the youngest member of the family and having to follow your brothers into the show-ring?
You could say that I was born with an addiction for the Arabian horse! My first show equalled my first win and I was hooked for life.
There were great expectations of me, but I took it positively. And it made me want to try harder to prove a point! I do not find it hard being the youngest as all three of us are very different and uniquely individual – we all have a tendency to do things our own way.
I can remember that my very first pair of riding boots were smaller than my hands. I would try my best to ride any horse as I had not heard of fear at that age. When I fell off I would not cry, not because of the pain but because I knew that they would not put me back on!

How old were you when you first went into the show-ring?
I think I was eight or nine years old when I entered the young handlers’ class at the Wales and West Show with a bay gelding called Farino by Marino Marini and out of a The Shah daughter. I won the class, but could not wait to get out of the ring so I could take out the pigtails and red bows that my mother made me wear!

Have you ever wanted to do anything other than work with horses?
In a word, no! I have always wanted to work with them and, if I had the chance, I would try to miss school to go hunting or to go to a horse show. I remember the days when we had several horses in race training and straight after school, dad and Rhodri would pick me up in the lorry to go out on the gallops with the horses. They are my life and I really cannot imagine doing anything else.

Tell me about your own horses.
I have six horses at the moment, one of which I bred. She is a six-year-old mare called Mazada (Maysoun x Ziadah by Aurelian). She now has a beautiful filly foal of her own by Psynergy. My Aurelian daughter Lianna (ex Lyanka) was a British National Champion and is now in foal to Psynergy as well. I am looking forward to next year with great anticipation!
I am presently backing one of our Straight Egyptian stallions, Jedah (Orashaan x Siametta). He is seven years old and quick to learn.

What have been your biggest achievements to date?
There have been many memorable moments in my showing career to date, but showing foals at the British Nationals is always a great experience. In 2000, I showed Lyaura by Orashaan and out of Lyanka to Reserve British National Champion. In 2003, there was Yavit by Emiratus B and out of Yannah who took the championships. In 2004, Psyamena (Psynergy x Yasmena) took the reserve title and then in 2005, Psyreesh (Psynergy x Greta) again took the reserve title. I hope to maintain this standard next year when we have foals there by Psynergy and Master Design. As I am sure you are aware, it can be very difficult to show foals to their true potential, but when there are four of you working together, it can be very rewarding and it means so much more.

Would you have done anything differently?
I cannot say that I would have done anything differently if given the chance. The past has provided me with experience and made me what I am today and I am grateful for that.

What advice would you give to youngsters today who are hoping to become a professional handler?
I think that the best advice that I can give to any other young person is to enjoy everything that you do. You only live once so follow your dreams. I you are determined enough, you will succeed. Look, listen and learn from the professionals. If more people were seen and not heard in the Arabian horse world, it would be a better, friendlier and more peaceful place.

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions relating to Arabian horses and what are your plans for the future?
I still have every intention of tackling the authentic costume class as it looks so much fun and is also extremely beautiful. Hopefully, I will breed more of my own competition horses and compete successfully with them. I might even have a go at getting my own HGV licence so that we can take more horses to the shows!

On the spot
Favourite horse in your yard: Jedah
Favourite horse on the showing circuit: Haniyyah and Kubinec*****
Favourite colour: Emerald green
Favourite drink: Baileys
Best way to relax away from horses: A rugby game or concert at the Millenium Stadium
Top pin-up: Sean Lamont
At a show, most likely to be found: At the stables or in the show-ring
Favourite show: Moorsele or Paris.