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.
Denne historien er fra December 19, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra December 19, 2024-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
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'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
