By Britney Grover
It doesn’t appear that much scares Charlotte Skinner-Robson. From the first time she showed up in a barn—a memory that still makes her laugh—Charlotte hasn’t let anything stop her, in or out of the horse world. Her courage and tenacity have been proven in feats like completing the 100-mile Tevis Cup endurance ride and rappelling down a building in Hollywood, but it’s her lifetime of dedication in the equestrian world that’s the most remarkable. Despite coming from a family where no one had anything to do with horses, Charlotte’s gone beyond forging a career in the industry to helping shape it.
Having competed nationally and internationally for 14 years and spent seven years in Mexico riding and training out of her own facility, Charlotte has brought her firsthand experience to growing and governing the sport. She’s a renowned horse show commentator and announcer who announced for the equestrian events at the Atlanta Olympics, the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and for over 20 years at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, which she continues to announce each year. She has been on the management team for World Cup Finals and North American Youth Championships, and currently manages the LEG Shows & Events Colorado Division. She judges regularly, as a licensed USEF and FEI jumper judge, and also has an FEI jumping steward license.
Somehow, that’s not all Charlotte manages to juggle. Having traded the Northern California of her youth for North Hollywood in Southern California, Charlotte is the past executive director of the Los Angeles Hunter Jumper Association and serves as USHJA jumper vice president, lending her voice on various USEF and USHJA committees and boards. Charlotte’s vivacity is apparent everywhere she goes, resulting in a great many people who love and admire her—an impressive feat all on its own.
How did your horse career start?
I’ve been in love with horses for as long as I can remember. When I was 8, my mom took me to the local-ish boarding stable with a lesson program. She always loved to tell everyone that the first thing I told them was, “Gimme the fastest horse you got! … Please.”
The barn owner’s daughter worked at the local racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, and he had lots of off-the-track Thoroughbreds that he gave lessons on. We learned fast! It was a wonderful way to learn everything horse. As kids, we fed, cleaned stalls, cleaned tack, wrapped and treated any injuries, conditioned a few endurance horses in the barn, lived and breathed horses every minute we could. We all decided we wanted to learn how to jump horses, so at about 12 or 13 we built jumps after watching horse shows at the Cow Palace and once when I begged my mother to drive me to Indio (my two favorites were Fleet Apple and Danny with DiAnn Langer, then Lundy). The jump material was whatever we could find.
What are your best early memories with horses?
So many, starting with the bareback trail rides and overnights in the barn during the summer.
Any favorite horses over the years?
The first horse I rode in a horse show was Rocky Doodle. He ran away with me a bit in the hunter hack, with just two jumps, and the judge chastised me for looking out of control. I was pretty indignant and told him I always looked out of control, but I knew exactly how fast I was going—no faster than usual, just faster than how everyone else did it!
Then there’s the horse I rode in my first Grand Prix, Robin Hood. He was probably the most talented horse I ever rode; not many people got along with him, but we just clicked. I’ve never ridden a horse that I understood as well as him, and he me. It’s a feeling like no other, to experience that kind of communication. I only rode him for about eight months; he jumped so well we got an offer that the owner couldn’t pass up.
If you weren’t involved with the horse world, what career do you think you would have picked?
I did some stunt work when I was younger, mainly with horses and motorcycles (not at the same time!). Other than that, I’ve never done anything else and can’t even imagine doing anything that wasn’t part of this world.
If you could tell every rider one thing, what would it be?
Your horse must always come first!
If you had a week off, what would you do?
Spend it with my wonderful husband—and it would have to be on or near the ocean.
Where is your favorite place you have been?
I spent time in Italy growing up and I really love it there. My husband’s family has a beautiful cottage right on Long Island Sound where I would love to live, but Jack always reminds me how cold I am in Southern California winters when it gets to about 60 degrees, so it’s probably not a good idea!
Do you have a personal motto or catch phrase?
We must choose tolerance over hate, kindness over cruelty, goodness over bullying, and to be hopeful, not cynical.
Who inspires you?
My good friend Jan Murphy—she treats everyone with patience and kindness.
What would be the best gift in the world?
More time
What’s something everyone should try at least once?
Anything that scares them
Photos courtesy of Charlotte Skinner-Robson
Charlotte 1 –
Charlotte Skinner-Robson at the jog for the Kentucky Three-Day Event, which she has announced for over 20 years.
Charlotte 2 –
Charlotte competed nationally and internationally for 14 years.
