27 April 2021
He has been described as “stylish and colorful.” Indeed, Vic Barba – equestrian, fashion designer, and photographer – is easily one of the most interesting personalities in the Club, in particular the stables, where he is most often to be found riding. Lately, he has become a respected Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) Grand Prix judge, judging equestrian international equestrian events.
DRESSAGE
How old were you when you first realized you had a passion for horses and equestrian sports?
My passion and love for horses was not love at first sight. I remember wailing when I was perched on top of a Baguio pony when I was a kid.
What have been the most memorable moments of your equestrian career, as both rider and judge?
The most memorable moment in my riding career was when I won an individual gold medal for Dressage in the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai. As a judge, it’s being promoted to a Grand Prix judge, and the fact that I am only one of two Asian Grand Prix judges in the world.
Where have you judged in the world?
Australasia is my comfort zone. They are my immediate FEI family. I am lucky to have judged in Europe and the US too.
How did you become a GP judge?
Before I became a Grand Prix judge, I had to become an experienced FEI Small Tour judge. Be it Grand Prix or Small Tour, they both have prerequisites to be able to take an exam before you get promoted to international status. That includes being a competent rider, sitting in, and practice judging with the equestrian version of the Supreme Court in numerous international events.
When were you able to ride again after the ECQ was declared?
It is one of the few sports where physical distancing is innately practiced which is why Equestrian Sports was almost instantly allowed when GCQ was declared.
How do you keep your eye as a judge during the pandemic?
Thank God for videos and webinars.
As a judge, can you describe what happens when you encounter a rider of exceptional talent?
One of the easiest things to do as a judge is to recognize the mistakes a horse and rider combination makes. The hardest thing to learn is to recognize good to exceptional quality. A common misconception about international judges is that we give low marks. On the contrary, we love to give high marks but only when the performance merits it. As a judge, you are mandated to be a guardian of quality. It is imperative that you reward exceptional performances be it from a novice rider or a top-level one no matter where you are in the world.
What advice can you give our young Dependents/riders in order to succeed?
Have fun learning the sport. There is no express elevator to success. It is a hard but very rewarding sport that is well worth your patience.
How about to those who are aspiring to become an FEI judge like you?
It takes a lot of training as a rider to be able to understand the correct way of going before you can be a judge. Take every opportunity to train your eye, watch every competition you can, and have a mentor to assess where you are at.
HORTOGRAPHY
Tell us more about “hortography” and how it became a creative art form for you.
I have always liked photography in general even when I was still studying Fine Arts. A good friend of mine encouraged me to buy a professional camera since I liked photography. This was around 2015. I took his advice and practiced basic photography on various subjects. Seeing that there were a lot of badly photographed horses, I told myself, “who else can better photograph the best qualities of horses than someone who knows horses?” That’s when I started “Hortography”. Just a few weeks ago, I started to photograph dogs too. I call them “Pawtraits”.
How often do you get to photograph your favorite subjects? Do you maintain an online gallery of your best images, aside from your Instagram account?
As often as there are new subjects in the Club and owners who want to immortalize their “babies”. For now, I only have an IG account to showcase them.
The hortrait of Ryan that’s posted on your IG account is a stunner. Do you print and frame your best works?
Yes, all my hortraits are commissioned work. So they are framed when I deliver them to their respectful owners.
What camera and camera equipment are your go-to for your equine sessions?
I use a Nikon camera. Some horses I know may spook in a studio setting so it is best to shoot them in an environment where they feel at ease. I use natural light.
What are some tips for getting a horse’s attention during your shoot?
The obvious — grass, carrots, apples.
How do you handle a misbehaving horse during a session?
More grass, carrots, and apples. It is important that someone they trust is present so that a little misbehaving is immediately addressed.
WORK
How do you balance your time between your passion and your profession?
The horses are usually done in the morning and my work as a fashion designer is on at mid-day. I have always said that they are both complementary and supplementary to each other.
What do you love about being a fashion designer?
The creative process – the build-up from an idea to the actual garment.
Who or what are your inspirations in creating new designs?
Could be anything from a feeling or an emotion. It’s just a matter of when or how these hit you. Horses or equestrian sports have always inspired me – the movement, the elegance, the silhouette.
How do you stay updated with the trends in the fashion industry?
Travel. Observing people. The obvious is to update yourself with the trends from the fashion capitals and industry publications.
How would you define your personal style?
Left of center.
What is a typical day like for you?
The horses are usually done in the morning and my work as a fashion designer is on at mid-day.
How do you relax or unwind after a long day?
A good meal and a good movie. One thing I miss is having foot massages.