
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.
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Super Sonic steps up
Oakley Nash lands a 128cm double with \"wild\" project pony and a determined 138cm rider is in flying form

Townend takes two
A familiar face and a potential future star triumph for Oliver Townend, as the eventing season gets under way

Last-minute dash ends in triumph
A change of plan leads to victory and a home-bred star proves that talent runs in the family

William's the Lad
It's back-to-back victories in the hunt race he sponsors for a delighted – and generous – William Fox Grant

Saving Britain's in-hand show tradition
Kim Wilson investigates how Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain is tackling the decline of in-hand classes and working to secure the future of youngstock

'This unspoilt hunting heaven
A visit by the RS Surtees Society to Northumberland provides a showcase for the Percy hounds and their hunting country

Local hero is all heart
A Borders team lifts Scotland's richest hurdle for the second year with a gutsy six-year-old and a £1,000 purchase richly rewards a patient owner

Access all areas Gavin Cromwell
The former farrier is sending his strongest team of Cheltenham Festival runners yet. Jennifer Donald meets the team behind a remarkable success story

Saffron Cresswell
The young event rider, who suffered a serious spinal injury in a fall last year, talks to Pippa Roome about her journey so far and what the future holds

Daphne
This contrary mare may spin like a top and be uncatchable in the summer, but she's \"terrifyingly brave\" and absolutely brilliant in the hunting field