Biography
I have ridden for the whole of my life, mainly hunting at the beginning and then showing hunter ponies. At the age of 11, I was lent a great young pony on whom I started eventing and eventually did pony trials. That was when I started to think that I would like to make a career out of the sport. Since then, despite being at school and then university, I have continued to event. My best results so far, have been winning the Gatcombe CIC** with Plantagenet of Rushall and being placed at my first CCI*** at Blenheim with my home produced horse Bruce Rock.
During my Spanish and Business degree I went out to Madrid and did a season with flat trainer Jose Simo. The experience gave me a real taste of the racing world and what a great industry it is. Riding the yearlings certainly gave me the stickability needed across country.
I have also spent a season working and riding for Andrew and Bettina Hoy, from whom I learnt a huge amount about not only riding but also stable management. The time I spent there was very hard work but absolutely invaluable.
In 2008, I almost got to compete at Badminton where I was wait-listed with my then top horse Bruce Rock. Sadly, he has now been retired due to injury. I currently have two main horses, Fergal's Flight who upgraded to Advanced in '08 and is competing at 2* and Boonool who is a 3* horse. I ride and compete full time. Notable results in 2008 included a top 10 placing at Thirlestane 3* with Boonool and 2 great runs at Barbury Castle including 6th place with Boonool in the 2* and an amazing round on Beanie Sturgis's top horse, Monarch Rock, in the 3* (I had the ride while she was expecting a baby). I hunt all through the winter and ride out for racehorse trainers as well, when I can. I am currently based in Wiltshire renting a yard from Beanie. I have been running my own business for a year and am loving it!