My Favourite Things ...

... with Teresa Macleod

Teresa Macleod is a popular freelance coach who teaches regularly at Ladyleys Equestrian Centre, Oldmeldrum, and NMW Riding Academy, Inverurie. As well as coaching her private clients throughout the North-east since 2020, Teresa shares working with the Clydesdale gelding Am Blar Mhor Bombardier (Bomber) with his owner Rachael Stewart.

While Teresa rides him in showing classes - where they achieved a 5th in the ridden championship at Scone last year and 7th at the Royal Highland Show, Rachael competes in driving classes. Recently, Teresa rode another Clydedale, Strathorn Edward, in dressage at Elementary level.

Teresa has ridden since the age of five and got her first horse at 13. An Australian trainer Sam Weir, who was visiting the North-east, then taught her about Clydesdales and driving which sparked a lifelong interest in the breed.

Se has worked at Strathorn Farm Stables, Pitcaple, with Ruth and George Skinner since 2002 and completed her BHS qualifications there before working for Angela Flanagan at her private driving trials yard and assisted her on the event circuit in the UK and on the Continent. Teresa was private driving Novice National Champion in 2011.

Favourite Horse: Am Blar Mhor Bombardier (Bomber), a Clydesdale belonging to my friend Rachael Stewart. He's been a joint effort all the way from going to find her a 'Clydie' together. She does the driving, I do the riding. I backed him a few years ago and last year, his first ridden show season, he blew us all away, taking 7th at the RHS and 5th at the ridden championship at Scone among his outings. He's just ace!

Favourite breed: Clydesdale. Geordie Skinner taught me everything and instilled in me a real respect and adoration for the breed. They are graceful, powerful, versatile and so clever!

Favourite colour of horse: The dream is a palomino (sports horse) because there is still a little kid in me who can't stop wanting a Barbie pony!

Favourite stable item: A decent tap for stud holes! Holding up Clydesdale hooves can be back breaking so a good tap saves time and pain!

Favourite equestrian brand: I'm not big into brands, I get what I want from whoever provides the cheapest, but I'll say Ariat because their riding boots are my go to every time!

Favourite horse feed: Recovery mash - it's so useful.

Favourite horsey celebrity: Lucinda Green. She's practical and down to earth and always makes sense.

Favourite inspiring horsey quote: "When you're out of luck, kick like ... ! (can we use that?!!)

Favourite thing about my job: Variety. The spice of life! There's an ever changing rosta of horses and riders I work with and I love to see them progress and change and although my weeks have a pattern, there's always new and different challenges or questions to address.

Favourite book: ACOTAR series by Sarah j maas. We all need a little smutty fantasy in our lives!

Favourite movie: Gladiator or Lord of the Rings.

Favourite singer/group: Zach Bryan. This time last year I (shamefully) hadn't heard of him. Saw him in Hyde Park in June and it changed everything!

Favourite food: Fried pickles. They're hard to come by in the UK so extra exciting when you find somewhere that offers them.

Favourite drink: Coffee!! I'm the last of the generation raised and still relying on coffee

and cigarettes to get me through the day!

Favourite alcohol: Vodka. Espresso martinis (can't go wrong combining coffee and vodka) or a Ceaser (Canadian cocktail) which is also vodka based!

Favourite season: Summer. I love it hot and sunny and the long days.

Favourite colour: Don't really have one so I'll say black, it goes with everything!

Favourite non-horse sport: Rugby. I don't play it but I enjoy watching it and have had so much fun at games at Murrayfield.

Favourite travel destination: Anywhere hot. I love to travel.

Favourite holiday: Crete with my pal two years ago was a blinder and I also absolutely loved Costsa Rica.

Favourite way to relax: I'm a classic TV series binge queen! Shout out to Jersey Shore, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Breaking Bad as a few TV favourites.

Favourite piece of technology: My phone. I could not live without it! From messaging clients and friends (I am a millennial so intensely DISLIKE actual phone calls) to the camera to social media, my phone does everything I need and without it, I'd come to a grinding halt!

Anything horsey you would like to do (money no object): I want to be a cowboy! I want to do roping and cutting, do the cattle drives and try barrel racing. I know nothing about western riding but would love to do it all.