I learned to ride when I was at school. We used to go off on a Saturday to Radnage House Riding School, run by Miss Pat Smallwood. I started at 10 years old and instantly loved it. I helped out on the yard with lots of sweeping and tack cleaning to gain extra lessons and the chance to ride the ponies bareback to the fields more than a mile away.
My parents were not horsey; my father was a mathematician. He told me: “I don’t mind if you follow your passion with horses, but you’ve got to get a proper education first.” He died when I was 15, so I felt I must. If he was alive, I might have fought the decision.
I got hooked on riding and competing and I did it all from the riding school around going to university – I just had amazing bits of luck, and eventually a ride at Badminton.
When you work in a riding school, you learn to understand the ponies, to work with them and know how they react. I’ve found that’s something that has always stayed with me. You ride all sorts at a riding school – and learn a lot from that.
Esta historia es de la edición June 29, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
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Esta historia es de la edición June 29, 2023 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
