Biography
I am a professional event rider and an instructor, currently holding my BHSII. I am also a BE accredited coach. I became a professional rider and teacher in 2007. Before that, I went to Cardiff university and gained a BSc in Applied Biology. This was followed by a PGDip in Applied Equine Science at the Royal Agricultural College. Then I worked part time in marketing before doing horses professionally.
I began eventing when I was in the Radnor and West Hereford Pony Club and also took part in lots of other equestrian competition including mounted games, showjumping and dressage (but not tetrathlon because I can’t swim!). I started affiliated eventing at the age of sixteen and was a member of the Welsh JRN team.
I would say that my main achievements, so far, are winning the Welsh Championships in 2003 and 2008, winning Blair Castle 3* in '05 and finishing 16th at Burghley 2009. I completed my first 4* at Burghley '06 with a double clear on Bit of a Barney, a homebred and home produced horse. Then I won the Laurence Rook trophy at Badminton the following year ('07) for the best British first timer, also on a homebred, Partly Pickled (Barney's brother!). In 2008, Partly Pickled took fifth placings at both the 3* at Bramham and the 3* at Hartpury, while Bit of a Barney was placed in two advanced classes, 3rd at Rolleston and a 5th in Aston-le-Walls. I completed Badminton with Barney (finishing 44th) but, unfortunately, had to withdraw after the dressage at Burghley with very sore ribs (mine, not Barney's!) following a fall at Gatcombe a few days earlier.
In 2009, Pickle's highlight was finishing 8th in the 3* at Hartpury and I also had some good Advanced placings and a win with Barney. I also set a record having both Barney and Pickle at Badminton together in '09, the first time two home bred and produced brothers had competed alongside each other in a 4*. Another highlight in '09 was coming 2nd in the 6 year old Championships with my up and coming home produced youngster Whitson. He has also been selected for the Equine Pathway.
The early part of 2010 started well with good results on the young horses and again I rode Barney and Pickle at Badminton. Pickle finished 41st while Barney was eliminated on the cross country - that's horses for you. But we are all safe and sound which is the important thing. Later on in 2010, I won the Martin Whitby Trophy and won at Gatcombe with Barney in the Advanced. In 2011, I plan to upgrade my youngsters to 3*, aim for top 15 at Badminton and win as much as possible!
When I am not riding, I run (occasionally) and only for fun these days! I was formerly a County cross country champion (twice) and Welsh Universities champion. I completed the London Marathon once and that was enough!