I was first put on a pony when I was around two-and-a-half.
I’ve never ridden to any great level but I’ve had an association with horses all my life, and rode constantly up until I left the army. I have two brothers, so we were unique to be three brothers riding in our local Pony Club branch, the Old Surrey and Burstow.
I made the Pony Club Championships one year and I rode at university for Cambridge. Through that I did a couple of international competitions in Switzerland and France. I did once beat William Fox-Pitt in a jump-off; I’m not sure he recognised the enormity of the day, but I certainly do now!
After my training, I spent three months working in a Blue Cross hospital in London.
Then I went into the army for 17 years and had postings in Northern Ireland and Melton Mowbray, but the highlight was my three years with the Household Cavalry at Knightsbridge. That was amazing.
When I left the army I went out into the world of charities by chance. A friend was working at what was then the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH), now World Horse Welfare, and I took on a fundraising role. The chief executive position came up in 2008 and I was really lucky that my stars aligned.
Esta historia es de la edición February 11, 2021 de Horse & Hound.
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Esta historia es de la edición February 11, 2021 de Horse & Hound.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
