"Trainer Tips" by equestrian freelance writer, Sue Weakley

Sue Weakley is a freelance writer specializing in brand journalism in the equestrian market, and a self-avowed word geek. She is a dressage rider, a lover of Iberian horses and a travel junkie. As she and her Lusitano, Universo do Bosque, continue their quest for the perfect half-halt, she blogs about life as a journalist in the world of horses and the people they own.

Sue's Top Tips:

Do you freeze when you are asked for an interview for your ride? Do you stumble over your words when you stare at that recording device stuck in your face? Don’t be. I’m an equine journalist and it’s my job to interview riders, breeders, trainers and owners. Believe me when I tell you that deer-in-the-headlights look isn’t necessary when I whip out my iPhone ready to ask you questions about your horse, your ride, your student or the horseshow venue. Remember, I think you’re pretty darned interesting, or else I wouldn’t be talking to you. So, chill out and check out my tips to make you a perfect interviewee.

1. Be yourself.
I understand you don’t want to seem goofy or say the wrong thing, but my favorite people to interview are ones who just chat with me. I love writing stories that pull in the personality of the person I interview. Show how much you love your horse. Explain his silly traits or expound on his bravery. If you say something witty or endearing, bonus points for you!

2. Spend a little time now thinking about your strategy for every interview.
What do you always want to say? For example, you may want to thank the horse’s owner for allowing you the ride. Perhaps you appreciate the judges sitting out in the heat or braving an icy wind. Maybe you want to thank the show organizers. If you know your talking points, it will be easier to smoothly move into those conversations.

3. No. One. Word. Answers.
And beware of ambiguous answers. Make it interesting. We need quotes. Good quotes.

What not to do:
Me: Could you tell me a little bit about your ride?
You: It was awesome.

Perhaps you could elaborate by telling me the trot extensions were spot on but you lost your horse’s concentration when the flags started flapping. Or you decided to take that jump in four strides instead of five and you nailed it. That makes an interesting story.

4. Please try to remember we are on deadline.
We aren’t trying to rush you, but remember that journalists are on a constant time clock. We appreciate that you are super busy and so are we, so let’s get this interview started so we can move onto our next tasks.

Along those same lines, sometimes, unexpected things happen, but please try to show up for an appointment. If you need to reschedule, we understand but remember that your reschedule time may not work for our deadlines. It’s just the reality of the business.

5. We have a job to do.
It’s our job to ask you questions and to learn something interesting about you that our readers would also find of interest. We aren’t trying to trip you up. Pinky promise. Also, when we leave the show grounds, our work has just begun: transcribing interviews, researching facts, writing stories and editing photos.

6. Have fun.
Seriously, how cool is it that someone wants to interview you about your ride? Enjoy the process. Smile. We don’t bite—often.