Biography
I was born in 1983 in North Canterbury, New Zealand and I grew up on a sheep farm in Amberley, NZ. I have ridden horses since I was about five. Both my mother and father rode. My mother evented and my father did a lot of hunting. I have a sister, Sophie, and a brother, Harry. Sophie is a vet and has done some work experience at Newmarket. Harry is at University in Christchurch doing a Bachelor of Commerce. I also studied in Christchurch at the University of Canterbury, where I completed my degree in Economics and Marketing.
In 2006 I took my eventer, Black Drum, over to England from New Zealand. I have been competing in England on and off since then. In 2007 we finished 17th at Burghley, in 2008 we were 18th at Badminton and then 7th at Burghley. 2008 had its ups and downs - Burghley was amazing and we were picked as first reserve for the New Zealand Olympic team but didn't get to go, which was very disappointing. 2009 was an interesting year too, I had to withdraw Clive at Badminton before the start, as he had an infected tooth, but we finished the season well at Burghley, in the top third of the field.
I was very excited to be back at Badminton with Clive in 2010 and we had a cracking round cross country. Unfortunately he sustained a slight cut on his knee and despite our best efforts he wasn't 100% at the final trot up, so I had to make the very hard decision to withdraw. It was absolutely devastating, but at least it was nothing serious and he will be back for another day.
At the moment I have two eventing seasons - the summer in England and then back to New Zealand for our season there. When I am in England I am based in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Everyone in Tetbury has been incredibly helpful to me. Since being in England I have been training with Lucinda Fredericks who is amazing and has improved my performance out of sight! When I am not riding, I love skiing and most other types of sports.