Crisy Salmon flies the flag for Irish grooms

Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games we spoke with Crisy Salmon who has been the groom for Irish Team member, Susie Berry for five years. 

This is your first Olympics, how do you feel?

“The run-up to the Olympics was exciting but also nerve wracking. At home, I worried every time I turned Lincoln out in the field, and each time he was ridden – just praying he would still be fit for the Games.”

Was it stressful thinking about packing for the Olympics?

“I kept it quite simple and treated it like a normal three-day event. Lincoln is so easy to look after. I am so used to packing for three-day events now. I made sure everything was super clean and had been through the washing machine! I wanted everything sparkling and tidy. Susie is quite suspicious about new things – we wouldn't take something brand new with us without stamping on them first! We never put anything brand new on a horse at a competition.”

Did you have a Team Kitting out day?

“The riders did and then Sarah Ennis came over to compete at Aston and she brought all our things over. I have been given loads of amazing kit from both Adidas and a brand called McKeever.” 

Did you ever think that one day you would be going to groom at an Olympic Games?

“No, not really! With competitions such as the Europeans you feel like it is a bit more realistic, and more people can go, so it seems reachable. The Olympics is every four years, not many people can go, the margins become that much smaller, it just seems harder to achieve. I can’t believe that a normal person like me, is able to go there for my work. It is quite surreal, being able to go to one Olympics feels so special.

We are so proud of Susie and Lincoln. He is such a talented horse but this year he suddenly seemed to grow up and developed in all his phases. He has been on top form, and it is great to reward him, especially as the competition has been tough.”

What is Lincoln like to look after?

“He is always happy; he loves his food and will always give cuddles and kisses. He is so happy when he sees his feed bowl.

He can be spooky when you lead him around, but he is just such a lovely character.”

Did you practice your French?

“I know the basics; I am able to order a ham and cheese sandwich and a chocolate croissant which are the essentials! I remember the usual please and thank you’s, but French wasn’t my strongest subject at school! With all the foreign travel we do, I should probably try to learn more but they always speak such good English, we become lazy!”

What are you most looking forward to in Paris?

“I think just the atmosphere will be amazing. It will be great to see all my groom friends and those from other countries who we don’t see very often. Everyone in the discipline is immediately a friend. We are so bad at introducing ourselves though – we just start talking and I can go a whole weekend without finding out someone’s name!

Even though it is such an important competition, everyone still supports each other. We all want each other to do well so we can be proud of our horses and riders. We just want everyone home safely. If the atmosphere is how I imagine it will be then it is going to be an incredible experience. Just to get there is something to be proud of.”

Fast Five

Work as a dressage groom or a showjumping groom?  “Showjumper”

Only do one-day events or only do three day events? “Three days!”

Croissants or Pain Au Chocolate? “Pain Au Chocolate – I have such a sweet tooth!”

Frogs Legs or Snails? “Frog legs if I HAD to!”

Wine or Champagne? “Gin!”

We would like to congratulate Team Ireland for their Olympic result and all the competitors, owners, grooms and everyone involved in the Olympics.