SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Equestrian Gallery
      • Stallions
      • Horses & Ponies for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Monday, August 08 2016 / Published in General

Show Jumper Brian Walker Answers Your Questions

Brian Walker and Chico’s Bandita Photo by Diana Hadsall Photography

Brian Walker and Chico’s Bandita
Photo by Diana Hadsall Photography

Brian Walker, a dual Canadian and American citizen, has trained, worked and ridden alongside the best in the world over the last 25 years. As a junior, Brian won the Maclay Medal Equitation Championship in 2001. Brian has made a name for himself by developing quality horses into successful competitors in both the hunter and jumper arenas, earning accolades for himself and his clients. Do you have a question you want Brian to answer? Send questions to editor@sidelinesnews.com.

 How are horse shows in Europe different from horse shows in the U.S.?

Horse shows in Europe versus those in the United States can be very different. In Europe there’s usually one ring, so there are fewer horses that end up showing. Horse shows in European countries are geared toward the riders and their horses. The shows are spectator-friendly and often get respectable crowds because horses are a part of their heritage. Different parts of Europe are known for their diverse styles of horse shows, but in each country the same level show tends to be the same. Having the opportunity to live in Europe 10 years ago helped my transition in competing in European shows during the summer. At the end of the day, show jumping is show jumping no matter where the show takes you.

 What qualities do you look for in a competitive Grand Prix horse?

A horse becomes a Grand Prix horse once they jump in a Grand Prix. The qualities I tend to look for in a horse are bravery and athleticism. If any rider or trainer knew the secret to what makes a horse a Grand Prix horse, it would be too easy. Horses prove us wrong every day. Some horses that appear small and look like they can’t jump 1.30 end up jumping large classes. This case can be reversed as well, when a horse can jump large jumps when they’re younger but never figure out how to do it when they are older at a high level.

 What part of riding comes easiest to you?

The part that everyone forgets the most about: Horsemanship. I believe that my horsemanship comes most naturally. Even though riding is easy for me, it’s still a skill I work on every day.

What do you think are the main problems facing the sport of show jumping?

Show jumping’s biggest issue in the United States is the cost associated with the horses. It can be very difficult for equestrian professionals to compete without clients and/or sponsors behind them.

It must be difficult to find horses that are able to jump at the Grand Prix level. What’s it like competing with other trainers and competitors to find these special high-level jumpers first?

To find the right horse, you need be at the right place at the right time. Finding a good horse requires a respectable network of people and a lot of time and effort searching for new horses. I believe that I have a good eye at spotting quality horses, so it perhaps gives me an advantage over other people. Nonetheless, it’s still very hard to find superior horses. With more individuals from all over the world getting involved in the sport and spending more money, there’s more prize money than ever and horses’ prices are through the roof.

Share this page:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Tagged under: brian walker, q&a

What you can read next

The First Weekend of ASPCA Maclay Regionals Filled With Fiery Equitation Competition
‘Canada One’ Star Power
Olympic Sidelines – Japan and Italy in the Lead After Dressage

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Stallion Gallery

Visit Stallion Gallery

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • GOOD EARTH FARM
    EQUINE ANIMAL PSYCHIC MEDICAL INTUITIVE GOOD EARTH FARM Home of Chocolate Chip Rescue Grows medicinal organic herbs-moringa/hemp Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue FB – The Good Earth Farm Loxahatchee, Florida 1 561 792 2666

    [Read more]

  • A Wynning Advantage
    Take the Leap! Take your equestrian event or business to the next level. Lifestyle Marketing • Public Relations • Sponsorship Sales • Event Activation Sponsorship • Marketing • Promotion Event Management • Ananlytics Press/Email Campaigns • Editorial Photography • Social Media • Website Design Ad Copy • Onsite and Remote Activation Lisa Davis Engel • awynningadvantage@yahoo.com • 908-310-6248

    [Read more]

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • “Jump for the Children” Benefit Horse Show Celebrates 40 Years & Over $3 Million to Duke Children’s
  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Maria Rasmussen: Navigating a Sea of Change
  • Madison Stewart: Following Her Family’s Equestrian Path
  • Jake Parker Wymard: His Passion for Horses

Category

Recent Posts

  • Maria Rasmussen: Navigating a Sea of Change

    By Jessica Grutkowski Portraits by Melissa Full...
  • Madison Stewart: Following Her Family’s Equestrian Path

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Kacy Brown It wa...
  • Jake Parker Wymard: His Passion for Horses

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Kacy Brown When ...
  • Jenny Cunningham: Creating the Content of a Great Dressage Life

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Kacy Brown They ...
  • July 2025 – Table of Contents

    CONTENTS 22 Breeding & Stallion Leslie Butz...

Copyright © 1987 - 2025  Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!