Rosemary Shrager
The British chef, best known as the haute cuisine teacher on reality TV show Ladette to Lady, discusses riders’ manners, being a Mitsubishi Motors brand ambassador and loving the food tents at Badminton
When was your first visit to Badminton?
The first time was when I was doing the programme Royal Upstairs Downstairs with Tim Wonnacott, which followed in the footsteps of Queen Victoria. We made shortbread in the lovely kitchen. That was five years ago. It is the most gorgeous house.
How horsey are you?
I rode a little as a child, but I had a fall while riding on holiday in Scotland when I was 14. I got back on, but I didn’t really carry on riding after that. Although I’m not actively horsey, I enjoy watching my friend compete on her beautiful dressage horses. My daughter has always ridden and my granddaughter, Suki, is now into horses too, which is lovely.
How did you get into cooking?
I’ve always loved cooking. It’s in my blood. We grew our own food when I was young, so I was used to cooking with fresh produce. Cooking wasn’t a career when I was young and although I loved acting, I loved art too, so went to art school. I then worked for architects in the city as a technician before resigning to do directors’ lunches. That was when I decided to learn to cook.
Does it bother you being in front of the camera?
It doesn’t bother me at all because I love acting. In fact, I demo, I act and I cook at the same time — what could be better? I’m a natural performer and love doing TV shows.
What do you think of horsey people’s manners?
A lot of people think that horsey people are hoity toity, but they aren’t at all. They are like-minded, lovely people who love their animals. Manners are the most important thing with any person. Something I’m a stickler for is, when you’re having dinner, putting your knife and fork down in a ‘v’ shape on your plate between mouthfuls so you can have a conversation. That’s what I used to tell all the ladettes. Also, never talk with food in your mouth.
What’s a healthy meal for a busy rider?
Protein is the most important ingredient in a rider’s diet. Although in some sports you need lots of carbohydrates to keep you going, for equestrians I’d suggest protein and pulses, so you don’t fill yourself up too much. You want something that will digest well, such as chicken, sweet potatoes and a few grains to give it some healthiness.
What do you love about the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials?
I loved watching the cross-country on TV as a child and to see it in person is wonderful. You don’t realise how big the jumps are. I like the fact they’ve brought the food aspect to the event, because people who aren’t horsey can spend all day looking round. It’s a win-win situation for me. It’s so quintessentially British and has such a lovely feel because the location is so beautiful. I love meeting all the riders and soaking up the atmosphere. It’s my chance to say hello and give something back to Mitsubishi Motors.
What’s your standout memory from this year’s event?
This year I took Suki, who’s 12, and she loved it. We sat and watched the dressage, which was astonishing, and we just had the most brilliant time. For me, that was the best memory and I’m so grateful to Mitsubishi Motors for letting her come. She’s definitely coming back next year.
How did you become a Mitsubishi Motors ambassador?
I phoned up and said I needed a car! I wondered if I was celebrity enough to become a brand ambassador and I was. That was four years ago. I get to drive a lovely Eclipse Cross, which is so practical and fun to drive.
“The first time I went to Badminton was for Royal Upstairs Downstairs. We made shortbread in the lovely kitchen”