'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'

Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life

- Emma Earnshaw

I STARTED riding in 1969 at an equestrian centre in Devon. I helped on Saturdays in return for a lesson. We did all sorts of jobs, but I can't remember poopicking I don't think we did it in those days. We'd ride the horses from the field bareback, then hop off just before we got to the yard so we didn't get caught.

When I joined the Pony Club it was just me, one other boy and 48 girls. I had my first kiss at Pony Club camp. I was too old for mounted games but got the bug for eventing. I sucked a lemon to do the dressage, but I liked jumping and going fast so I got my buzz sitting in that 10-minute box.

At 16, I had the opportunity to spend a few weeks on Olympic eventer Bertie Hill's yard. It was one of the greatest things I've done in my life. I rode so many horses; my feet never touched the ground. I was in heaven but after two weeks I fell off in a ditch, broke both my thumbs and had to go home.

I went back the following year and stayed longer and sounder. It was the first time I got taken out to the pub. We were still up at 6am for morning stables.

My first one-day event was at Powderham Castle. Princess Anne was parked next to us and when I couldn't get my horse off the lorry, she came and helped. She also gave me a leg-up - and while I did get round the course, that was my highlight.

The dressage arenas were by the main Paddington to Plymouth train line. In the middle of my test a train went past, and my horse did a double somersault. I can't remember what my score was, but it wasn't good.