After You
My name is After You. I am a 13-year-old German horse by Abanos. I am very tall: 1.78m! I arrived in Ludovic Henry’s stables in Brussels when I was 8. There I was quickly spotted by the FFE. I was chosen to join the JO/JEM group! With Ludovic we started as reservists for the World Equestrian Games in Caen, then we took part in the European Games at Aachen, and last summer we represented France in the Rio Olympic Games!
This month, Tacante is meeting a pillar of the French dressage team. The smart After You, Ludovic Henry’s head horse and the favourite of his wife Georgia alias “mamy” opens the doors of his box to share his daily routine as a champion.
Where does your name come from?
Originally my name was Abercrombie & Fitch! But you’ll agree that it doesn’t sound great to have the same name as a garment brand. So Georgia and Ludovic looked for a sweet name for me. It had to start with an A as my dad is Abanos… I like After You, this name suits me well!
Do you prefer to work with a male or female rider? Why?
When I was very young my rider was a girl. I wasn’t much disciplined at that time and without meaning too – obviously – I sent her to hospital a few times! From there I gained a reputation of a horse for male riders!
I am really pleased with my rider, he’s ultra-nice to me. However, I don’t lose hope that mamy will be on the saddle one day. I promise I will be as good as gold!
Where do you live?
I live in beautiful stables in the South of Brussels. They belong to Mr Ferrero, yes yes… you heard properly, Mr Nutella himself! They are very comfortable.
But I also have a holiday home which I love and where I spend a lot of time. It is in Germany at Krefeld. I enjoy going there as I have a box with a magnificent view from where I can see everything. I spend my days at the window checking everyone’s whereabouts. My nickname is the caretaker!
What do you like most about your stable mates?
I don’t like my stable mates at all!!! Especially the most recent arrival. His name is Casanova and they say that he will be my successor! I can’t believe my eyes… He’s got a lot on his plate if he wants to be as good as me! I don’t intend to give up my place to this tall black Dutch warmblood!
What is your guilty pleasure?
After every work session my mamy prepares a bowl with bran, carrots, apples, a pinch of salt, and water… I love it.
What is your favourite colour?
Royal blue of course !!!
Which dream would you like to come true in your life?
Well! I think my dream was to make my rider’s dream come true… take him to the Olympic Games!!! I gave everything to get there and we were successful!
What is your favourite discipline?
Dressage! Apparently I throw my legs really high in the air when I trot!
What makes you feel the happiest?
When my mamy looks after me. She spends a lot of time with me every day: grooming, massages, cuddles, sweets… During the Olympic Games it was absolute bliss, she was with me all day long!
What do you dislike most in the world?
When other horses are being groomed and looked after instead of me, I can get really mad.
Which natural gift would you like to have?
Stay young for very long!
What has been your best memory?
When I entered the dressage arena at the European Championships in Aachen! It is a legendary place!
Which frame of mind are you in at the moment?
Relaxed! After the effort, relaxation! Now that Rio is over, I am allowed a few weeks of leisure time, my mamy rides me!
Do you have a life motto you would like to share with us?
Believe in your dreams…
How can we keep up to date with your news?
On Ludovic Henry Facebook pages !
Further reading: Equine Encounter with Quartz of Jazz
Equine Encounter with Actuelle de Massa