Biography

I’ve spent most of my life around horses - my mum and grandmother were both keen riders. My first pony was bought by my grandmother for me to share with my brother and sister. He was called Mickey and I did a lot of hunting (and falling off!!) with him. My first "proper" pony was The Minstrel. I competed in Stockholm as a member of the Pony Team and was best placed of the Brits. School work rather got in the way of Juniors but I was back on the British Team at the Young Rider Championships in Austria.

After Austria, I decided I should have a back up plan so I did a BSc in International Business at the Royal Agricultural College followed by a MSc at the University of Warwick. Since then I’ve thrown myself into my dream of becoming a professional event rider. I’m lucky enough to have four really great horses: Father Jerry (Ted) who is 4*, Classic Decision (Mackie) who is 3*, Cool Decision (Spider).

All in all, 2008 was a good year. Cool Decision went advanced. He did a lovely double clear at Barbury 2*, also finished 9th in his first 2* in France and 3rd at Gatcombe. I had a fun time at Hickstead doing the Eventer's Grand Prix on Classic Decision and Ted (Father Jerry) enjoyed doing one days in '08 and is now winding down from eventing - he has done me proud but is feeling his age, so he is heading for a happy retirement on the hunting field!

I am also doing a law degree and, to my relief, passed my first year exams in '08 and I have signed a new sponsor. For 2009, all being well, I hope to continue the good form of Cool Decision and step him up to 3*. I'll also show jumping Classic Decision and aim him at the Hickstead Eventer's Grand Prix again. And I aim to buy a young horse to produce in my non-existant spare time while I also get through my second year law exams! This combined with a lot of teaching and trying to fit in an accreditation along the way will be an exciting year and I'm really looking forward to it!