The making of the BBC Scotland’s “Landward” programme on Western riding in
It would appear that BBC research assistants have long memories. Having done a Radio programme some years back on Western Riding, the BBC approached Kayreen Jones via our Area Web page. Kayreen, bless her, with the skill and dexterity of a matador and a, “you’re good at this sort of thing”, neatly swept the enquiry at yours truly.
There then followed a series of telephone and e-mail messages whereby the researcher and I kept missing each other. Eventually we spoke and a date set “to do some of the basics” at the yard where I keep my horse “Doc”. What exactly they were after was unclear so I set up some basic items, a gate, poles and square, figuring that this would cover turns on the forehand, turns on the haunches, side passes, back-ups etc.
Shortly before the filming day, the researcher phoned to confirm all was well and added that they intended to “dress up” the presenter in some “over the top” Western outfit. You may appreciate the concern that this triggered. Nevertheless, I jokingly volunteered to provide a “six-gun”. This was seized on at once. Oh! Oh!
Imagining that what may end up on TV would have me and Doc loping off into the Pentland Hills pursued by a posse of vengeful WES members, I ensured that John Fyfe, Kayreen Jones and Margaret Stark would be on the set as well. It’s what friends are for.
2.30 in the afternoon and the stage is set. The school has been levelled and obstacles set up, horse saddled and the best Western hats, removed from the boxes. As a precaution very few of the other horse owners were aware of the filming. I had kept this a dark secret, as an “audience” was the last thing I needed.
After the introductions, filming started, but not with the horse. Some 20 to 30 minutes were spent setting up a shot of the presenter’s plastic spurs! The shot appears in the opening sequence where a pair of bespured boots step into frame and stop with the sunlight glinting on the rowels. A similar situation occurred with the six-gun. It was educational to see just how much effort can go into obtaining something that, to the casual observer, seems so easy. Hey! Sounds a lot like this horse riding business.
In due course came the horse. Doc had been standing around for the best part of the afternoon awaiting his call to the set. Thankfully he has a “wake me up when you need me” attitude but this day his patience had been pushed a bit far. My warm up session had seen the picking up my hat from the dust and the wisdom of removing my spurs.
The boy was awake! That said, when we got the presenter mounted Doc really looked after him. OK it was all at the walk but the rider was a novice and we got all the moves requested. The session ended with close-ups of Doc and the saddle. The close-ups were tight enough for Doc to investigate what lens hoods taste like. (Prefers peppermints!)
Then came the “Western Equestrian Society Scottish All Areas Show at Ingliston, Bishopton”. The presenter said this after one telling and then in one take. Not bad, huh?
I entered the Western Pleasure classes wearing a wire. Don’t ask why none of this got into the final cut. Yeah! Use your imagination folks.
The ladies in the Western Pleasure and the Reining classes sparkled. Their interviews, together with David Brindley’s comments, I believe made an interesting and watchable piece of TV.
The producer’s focus on the Western riders’ way of dressing did not, as I feared, overshadow the message that Western riding is fun but is competitive and requires a level of skill at least equal to any other equestrian discipline.
Well how did it all end up? Personally I think that it was all right on the night. No, I think it was great. The presenter did encourage people to attend Western shows to see how our best riders do it and there has been a swell in the number of hits on this website. I believe also that the trail riders at Cardrona were approached by two equestrian orientated families who had seen the programme and wanted to know more about Western riding.
As for Doc? He said, “Being a star of Radio, TV and the Tenderfoot articles has not gone to my head. Just add more feed to my bucket pal!”
This is John Roy handing you back to the studio.
PS. My personal thanks to Angela Davidson for breeding Doc and to Fiona Ogg for all the work making him such a joy to be with. Thanks, ladies.
The Bob Mayhew 2 day Clinic at Blackford Glen at the end of May
Posted on 7th June 2008
From my point of view the week-end was a great success. The weather was warm and sunny for most of the two days. The riders were keen and attentive and Bob's teaching was spot on. He recognised our riders' "every try" and said later that that kind of effort from riders made running clinics so satisfying. After the barbecue on Saturday night, twelve of us slept over, variously in boxes, tents and my house. I had a great time. Some say that the ladies in Western riding can be a bit scary but I have never noticed that or maybe I just like scary women. I think the men who were here enjoyed their company too. We were certainly outnumbered.
I have already received expressions of interest from four or five riders who would like Bob to come back in a few weeks when they have practised what they learned at his clinic. Bob is keen to come back if there is enough demand. So, those of you who are interested, please email me and give me an indication of how many sessions you might want to book.
Regards
John