1. Do you have anything lucky that you will not be without on a competition day?
Ohh that would have to be my lucky ‘Stressage’ socks… and my Sue Carson saddle of course!
2. What is your favourite and least favourite food?
My death row meal would be pasta and cheese! Considering I live on an island, I can’t stand the thought of any sort of seafood (I’ve can’t bring myself to even try a prawn!)
3. If you compared yourself to an animal, which one would you pick and why?
A puppy dog! I love food… and sleep, and my friends! But, I do also sometimes get crazy over excited and regularly get told to calm down!
4. What is your least favourite horsey job?
Feeds and haynets
5. Who do you use as your trainer?
Roland Tong
6. Which rider do you admire most and why?
Cathrine Dufour - I love the softness throughout her body and aids - she always looks to have an such incredible bond with her horses. I also closely follow Jessica Von Bredow Werndl for the same reasons!
7. Do you have any amazing time saving tips to share?
Always take time before bed to have your outfit ready for the next day - I am not the most organised person & regularly have a mad dash to find matching socks in the morning!
8. What is your favourite model of saddle?
For me, I am only 5ft1 and ride mostly ponies - I love the merlin. It fits me beautifully but I still feel I have the freedom in my seat for the small ponies. I have clients who have the Darcy Secret Weapon, and also the Xpression - and I love having a play in these!
9. If you could pick any horse (not one of your own) to do one competition on, which one and why?
I’ve always been fond of Charlottes former ride, who is now owned by Annabella Pidgley - Gio (Pumpkin)! I love the compact build of him - such a wee powerhouse!
10. If you didn’t work with horses, what profession would you do?
I have a huge interest in Psychology. I’d love to have worked in something related to this!
11. Who is the biggest character on your yard?
Oh without a doubt it is our Pom Pom! Pom is a little (13hh!) gypsy cob Stallion who is owned by my very good friend (& land lady!), Karen. I have the pleasure of being a big part of his training and have enjoyed showing & jumping him. He is training Advanced Medium dressage and simply has the BEST attitude to work - and life! He is quite literally always smiling it is so infectious.
12. Who would you have as four dinner party guests?
Dr Russell Mackenchnie Guire, Dr David Marlin, Steph Croxford & Abi Lyle! I have a huge interest in biomechanics; especially in training the non typical dressage horse up the levels! I feel that these guys would have super interesting conversations!
13. List three things on your bucket list?
1. Ride in the show classes at HOYS!
2. Compete my little spotty pony in a Grand Prix.
3. I’ve always wanted to go to Texas!
14. Whats your favourite show?
Unfortunately, it is not run anymore - but I used to thoroughly enjoy hoping across the sea to Guernsey to compete in the Area Festival at Forest Farm. It was always so friendly and such a beautiful venue!
15. Most memorable moment in your career?
My first trip to Hartpury when Enzo was 4! We had very little experience at the time and came 8th/46 in a very strong class! Enzo is certainly not bred for dressage but I was so proud of his results and his impeccable behaviour - I’ll never forget the feeling!
16. How old were you when you started riding?
I was 4
17. Have you always done dressage or have you tried different disciplines?
I got into dressage by accident. I lived for speed & jumping! My boss at the time, who is still a very good friend, bought a 3yo 17.2hh Friesian - and he certainly wouldn’t jump! So I dabbled in some dressage and found the love for it! With the help of Tasha Byfield, I then retrained my gorgeous but tricky ex show jumper to Advanced Medium when he was 17 and it went from there!