Nathan John Grant Athlete Profile

This article will be published in January issue of Hooked on Horses to tell you a bit about myself! I will update more about myself in the new year!
Apprentice Shines at Olympia
The Equestrian Learning Academy were incredibly proud of one of their students last month when 21 year old Nathan Grant competed in the British Championships under 23 class at Olympia on 13 year old Cavallo Z (Joss). In his first time at the world famous venue, Nathan finished 7th with just one fence down, losing out to Daniel Nielson and William Whitaker, the only two rides who had no fences down but Nathan’s stylish ride drew plenty of positive attention.
Nathan is a Level 3 Apprentice with The Equestrian Learning Academy, based in Colchester at Crockleford Stud. Joss and Nathan performed terrifically in front of a full house on Saturday afternoon and Nathan admitted he was nervous beforehand with a noisy large crowd being a relatively new experience. “I was quite nervous before, but there was a warm up round before the actual competition and that helped me calm down! The warm up area and the actual arena are actually both quite small and Joss hasn’t done much jumping indoors this season so we were very pleased.”
To qualify for the class the combination of Nathan and Joss had to collect points at specified shows around the country, the top 25 then qualify for the Team Murka U 23 class at Olympia. Nathan could be proud of his round, with only one fault separating him from seasoned internationals Whitaker and Neilson.
Nathan’s new found fame reaped immediate rewards! Besides signing his first autographs and £300 in prize money, when searching for a new riding hat in the shopping village, Parkgate Equestrian were so impressed by his performance that they gave him a free top of the range New Protector International Full Carbon model!
Nathan will need to get used to such attention, though he has always been very grateful to those who have supported his progression in the sport. Nathan is always keen to thank his sponsors, including Zoe Taylor from Professional Prestige Saddle Company supply him with his tack and boots and the support he receives from the national Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme which supplies a personal fitness programme and a sports Psychologist. Add to this the great team at Crockleford Stud including parents Lisa and Derek and yard manager Tracey and you have a young man who remains grounded but with terrific potential.
But what about Joss? Nathan admits the 13 year old can be “quite grumpy” in the stable, but loves
competing and is a different character when out at shows. The two have been together for 2 years and this has taken them to Portugal, Belgium and all the County Shows. “He is an experienced horse, says Nathan “he has taught me how to jump the big tracks.” Owned by Mr and Mrs Bryant who also owns Joss’s full brother, and Nathan has high expectations for the younger sibling.
Nathan started riding at the age of 10 but did not seriously compete until he got a horse when he was 14. “I grew quickly and was tall for my age, so it was thought I would be better riding horses than ponies”. When he first had Don Asborne Z he was jumping 1metre tracks, by the time he finished competing him he was successful in 1.40 metre speed classes.
Nathan has enjoyed regular jumping lessons with Graham Lovegrove and David McPherson and is also keen to mention the dressage sessions with Garry Williams, which Nathan feels “particularly helps our young horses and that it is important for their progression”.
When asked about his Apprenticeship with The Equestrian Learning Academy where he shares his studies while working with his yard, “It gives me a greater understanding of the horses’ physiological make up, feeding and behaviour patterns, this in turn reduces the risk of injury and illness for the horses I care for”. Once he has finished the course which should be within the next year, he would like to do Level 4 and learn how to teach. He went on to say that he is enjoying the course and meeting different people from the yards the Academy works with.
He told me that his more immediate ambition is to progress through the rankings, to do this he needs a younger horse that is already jumping 1.30 metre tracks and has the talent to progress to Grand Prix. To help him succeed he needs some help, either by being provided with a talented horse or sponsorship in any form. “We have a number of young horses, mainly homebreds, that are beginning to compete in the Novice classes but I would benefit from having another more experienced horse.”
For the last 2 years Nathan has been on Foundation Training, he told me that he would like to progress to the World Class Training but to do this he needs a horse capable of competing at the top level.
The end of season at Olympia was a terrific end to a year that did not start well. He lost Don Ashborne Z and also a young horse that was showing great potential. When he was invited to jump at Olympia, it gave a happy ending to a difficult year.
We, at The Equestrian Learning Academy wish Nathan Good Luck for 2012! We couldn’t wish for a better Ambassador for both our centre and British Showjumping.
Vicky Boultwood

Have just done a photo shoot Four seasons equestrian clothing range was great fun.

http://chloebowman.co.uk
http://www.fourseasons-equestrian.co.uk/