Biography
I have ridden from a very early age (almost before I could walk) and have competed all my life. I gained my first GB call-up to the European Pony Championships at the age of 15 in 1998. The team won silver and I was placed 9th individually with a home produced pony, Red Alert. Since then I have gone on to represent my country at Junior level, winning team silver and finished 4th individually on Leading Edge, twice at Young Rider level winning team gold in 2003 and 4th individually, and team silver in 2002 and 11th individually on the ex-racehorse Five Boys. I have also had an outing with the Senior Team at the 2005 European Championships at Blenheim. In gaining a Senior flag, I became the first and at the moment only person to have represented my country at all levels. I am based at Malmesbury in a purpose built yard with wonderful facilities and 120 acres of grassland to work and sustain my horses!
In 2005 I was 7th at Badminton on my first attempt, winning best first timer, best under 25 and best local ride - this was again with Five Boys. Since his retirement, I have been lacking a horse at top level but I have had the ride on Boondoggle since 2008 and had a successful season that year including a win at Aston le Walls Advanced and a 4th placing at Blair CCI***.
In 2009 Boondoggle then went on to complete Badminton very well and then won Gatcombe Advanced. General Opposition stepped up to Advanced well in 2009 and won Highclere Advance comfortably.
2010 was a great year were two new horses moved up to three star very well. High Havoc was second at Hartpury CIC*** and Bee Animas was tenth there. General Opposition again moved up the levels well and was third in the CIC*** at Houghton Hall. Zidante excelled herself and won three novices on the trot as well as finishing 2nd at Somerford CIC*. She also won Gatcombe CIC* and finished the year with a super 3rd placing at the Young Horse World Championships in Le Lion D’Angers.
In 2011 I am aiming to qualify Zidante as a 7 yr old for the Young Horse World Championships. I have three horses competing at 3* level and am hoping for good, consistent placings with them and to progress up to 4* in 2012. I am very lucky to have achieved all this and have huge ambitions to achieve more and I believe I have the motivation to succeed at the highest level of my sport. However, none of this would be possible with out the support of my fantastic team at home and my brilliant owners and sponsors, who are so understanding and supportive.