I didn’t come from a horsey family, but have always been obsessed with horses. One of my earliest memories is sitting on a rocking horse at my grandmother’s, watching Horse of the Year Show on TV, joining in as best I could.
I badgered my parents for a pony and they finally relented when I was 10. I competed in the usual competitions, but dressage was always my favourite. I wasn’t a talented rider, so I knew that if I wanted to be involved in top-level sport, I had to find a way other than being an athlete.
My parents didn’t want me to work with horses – “there’s no money in it”. So I got it into my head to become an actress, not that there is money in that either. After a bunch of work as an extra and even a fire-eater, I landed a job involving jousting, which led me right back to horses.
I decided to study at Hartpury College, which has been the springboard for everything I have achieved since. I got a job with them on graduating, which gave me a grounding in major event management, teaching, marketing, leadership, international relations, facility management… the list goes on.
Denne historien er fra July 13, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra July 13, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'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
