Biography
I started eventing when I was 15 and up until then I was into show-jumping, competing in Pony Home International teams and winning gold medals. I made the switch to eventing with my pony Darraks Tonto, and we were both bitten by the bug straight away. We were placed in Pony Trials in our first year and were named as reserves for the Pony European team. We then bought three horses over the next 18 months and I competed in JRNs and championships, along with some novices and my first few intermediates.
In 2005 I won Necarne CCIJ* and Chepstow under-18 National Championships and in 2006 won at Avenches CCI* in Switzerland. I also had wins and placings in Junior Trials and was selected for the Junior European team, where we won team silver.
In 2007, I was given the ride on Cottage Craft Spirals. In only 4 events we were competing at Houghton Hall CCI** where we finished 10th. I was 2nd in the under-25 National Championships and I had a one-two in the Young Rider Final Trial at Gatcombe. I was then selected for the Young Rider European team, where we won team gold.
I also finished 6th at Weston Park CCI**. At the British Eventing ball in 2007 I was awarded the Edy Goldman Trophy for the under-21 achieving the most points in the year.
2008 was a great year. I was 1st and 2nd in the under-21 class at Somerley Park at the start of the year and retained the trophy for the highest placed under-21 in the CIC**. The high point, though, was achieving my special aim of completing my first Badminton and Burghley clear, whilst still a teenager, and then going on to win team Gold in the Young Rider Europeans! It was also a thrill to finish 18th and best under 25 at Beokelo with Song for Gull. The 2008 season ended with the fantastic news that I have been re-selected onto the World Class programme for 2009.
In fact, 2009 was another great year for me and a real coming of age in lots of ways. All the horses did well and several moved up a level. I had a fantastic Burnham Market with 2 horses in the top 4 in the CIC***. It was also an achievement to have 2 horses at Badminton, both clear XC and inside the time. The young horses had wins and placings at all levels and Velosity jumped double clear at the Novice Championships at Gatcombe. Skylight and I were re-selected for the YR European team and came home with team gold! Birthday Night was 18th in the CIC*** at Gatcombe and selected to go to the World Cup Championships - another great result. I also had another completion at Burghley CCI**** with Running Brook which brings his 4* record to 4 out of 4 completions! Finally, I was delighted to receive a letter to saying I had two young horses on the Equine Pathway list, a great way to end the season!