I'm not from a horsey background. When I was six, I really wanted a pony. My mum said we couldn't afford one so I saved every Christmas and Easter. By the time I was 11 I had £500 and bought a four-year-old Welsh cob called Jester. I loved jumping and would hack an hour and a half to shows, but Jester wasn't going to take me to Hickstead. So instead I taught him tricks; he learnt jousting and we went off with the circus.
I was just a typical horsey kid. I loved all the fast stuff: hunter trials, showjumping, gymkhanas, anything with speed. I went to this amazing old guy called Rodeo Dave for work experience when I was 14 and he was incredible. He used to trick-ride on a bull! I thought, "I want to do this," and he said, "I love this kid, she's mad!" So I joined his team.
In 2005, I ran away to the circus with my childhood pony Jester. I did a double act with the amazing, late Nell Gifford, and solo trick-riding for two years, followed by a spell with Zippos Circus. Rodeo Dave gave me the foundations, then at Giffords the cossacks taught me to Roman-ride.
Denne historien er fra December 14, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra December 14, 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
'He's a terrier - a very classy terrier'
Jonbon emulates some legendary chasers as a dual Tingle Creek victor, and trainer Dan Skelton scores a seasonal century
Rupert
This beautiful master's horse hates quad bikes and is \"scared of his rug\" but is dearly loved by both Nigel Peel and his son Jamie
London's landmark moments
What makes London so special for dressage fans? Oscar Williams delves into its unique history, speaking to experts about their most treasured memories and the show's remarkable evolution in the sport
Golden oldies take centre stage
The finals at London International are among the most regarded championships on the senior showing circuit. Alex Robinson investigates the finals and what's contributed to their popularity
Winter wrapped up
With the long-range weather forecast suggesting a chilly winter ahead, how can equestrians prepare for the challenges of frost, ice and snow? Stephanie Bateman finds out
Party time
From Whitaker vs Whitaker football matches to a hunting choir roaring carols, top riders know how to let their hair down at Christmastime. Netia Walker unearths the best festive parties
Rocking their world
Rocking horses were once a common fixture in children's playrooms - or a charming trinket on a Christmas tree. Now, some are getting a new lease of life for grown-up enthusiasts, finds Liz Falkingham
Winter watering
Maintaining a horse's water intake is crucial, but can be tricky in the colder months. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains why, and how to help
Shetland Pony Grand National organiser
Sebastian Garner on whittling down applicants, playing headmaster and the joy of watching Shetlands at full lick
Peder Fredricson
The Swedish flagbearer and four-time Olympic medallist tells Jennifer Donald about 2024's ups and downs, the key to social licence and silver linings
