28/07/2017 - Interviews

A PRIVATE CHAT WITH...

TESS CARMICHAEL

WHEN WAS YOUR VERY FIRST EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION?
I grew up in Australia and I didn't have my own pony but the riding school used to take some ponies to the local show and we could ride them there. I think I was about 8 years old, my pony Sage was so naughty he took me into the tea tent and there was nothing I could do about it! I've improved a bit since then!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?
In May this year I won the Amateur Grand Prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show. That was incredibly special as it is our home show, my first Grand Prix win at 1.40 and my first Grand Prix win with Atlantis PP Z. Plus all my family, a lot of my friends and the girls who help me at home were at the show supporting us. It was definitely a day I will always remember.

IF YOU HAD NOT GONE INTO HORSE RIDING, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE DONE?
Rally car driving! I think my Dad may have preferred that option!

YOU TRAVEL A LOT. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CITY?
I really love Rome. It's such a beautiful city with an amazing history and a great atmosphere. The LGCT show there is fantastic, in a very special place. We always try to spend a few extra days out there afterwards.

WHICH OBJECT DO YOU ALWAYS KEEP WITH YOU?
I have a few bracelets that I always wear which are very sentimental to me. I'm also very rarely far from my phone.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE?
Roger Federer is very inspiring. I think tennis is an incredibly tough sport mentally and physically so to stay at the highest level for so long shows tremendous commitment and determination. He's a total professional who also has a great sense of humour and seems very down to earth.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC?
It changes all the time. I like anything I can sing along to although I often get the words completely wrong. I also have a bad habit of loving a song so much that I listen to it non-stop, drive everyone crazy, then get bored with it and don't like it anymore!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
As a holiday destination I love Singapore. It's where my Mum is from and we have a lot of family there. It's like a second home to me. I try and go back every year.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
I have an obsession with Japanese food. Sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen - there is not much about Japanese food that I don't like.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
Zoolander. It's such a silly film but I love it. I've lost count of how many times I've seen it. My sister and I quote lines out of the film at each other all the time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Modern Family. I can watch it over and over again. I love the characters.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL?
Gin & tonic with lots of ice and cucumber. Perfect.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY (WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN A SHOW JUMPING)?
It's tradition in England to have a roast on a Sunday. So on a day off I might cook a roast for some friends, eat far too much and end up on the sofa watching a film with my dogs!

WHAT IS YOUR EVERYDAY CAR?
AND YOUR DREAM CAR? My actual car is a Mercedes GLE63 AMG, dark grey with black wheels. His name is Obie and I love him! My dream car would be Mercedes AMG GTR R Coupe. Not a very practical car but a lot of fun I'm sure!

INTERVIEW & PHOTOS BY JESSICA RODRIGUES