I started riding when I was nine and I was breaking in my first ponies by 10. Then, I had a bad accident, where a horse flipped over and broke both my front teeth and my nose. Mum said, "You're not doing this again!"
I actually didn't ride again until I was 16. But I loved horses, so I was up the yard every summer holiday and weekend possible. I would work on the ground, and I think that's where I did most of my learning, as I was just watching horses, their behaviour and the way they are in the paddock.
We had different types of problem horses coming to us all the time. I remember I was on study leave, supposed to be revising, when we had a horse in who was throwing all sorts of shapes. I said, "I want to ride that tomorrow." I loved it. I was originally signed up to do carpentry at college, but the minute I got off that horse, I decided that I wasn't going anywhere.
When I worked for my dad, Gary, we would do a lot of breakers. I was the first person to sit on Sea The Stars, which was a great honour. I've been the first person aboard maybe 6,000 horses, but the difference between him and any other yearling was unbelievable. All he wanted to do was please and he has such a phenomenal brain, the like of which I will probably never witness again.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback