How is 2019 going for you?
2019 has been pretty good for me so far! I have given birth to my first child, Jack. And I have returned back to the competition arena to achieve two PB’s and two wins at Hickstead CDIO!
Did you always want to be a Dressage rider?
I started in pony club and I loved bombing around on my ponies but when I moved up to horses my first horse did not jump so I slipped into the dressage world that way and got the bug!
What advice would you have for someone who wants to compete professionally?
Hard work and dedication! Don’t be afraid to go and work for someone even if it may seem as a step back and you might find that actually you progress further than you would if you stayed on your own and you have more help and support when it comes to competing.
What's your best moment with horses to date?
Riding in the freestyle at Aachen! It was amazing riding in that stadium with that crowd... It massively inspired me to try and get back there again! It also made me realise just how special Rufus is, getting me there and giving me these opportunities!
What goals do you have for the 12 months?
Tokyo! I want to keep Rufus fit and healthy and bring Kristjan up a gear in the ring at GP so that I have two horses to campaign for Tokyo!
Tell us about your current string of horses
Rubin Al Asad (Rufus) is a 17yr old Hanoverian gelding by Rubin Royal. He’s my number 1 at the moment. With him I have been reserve for the Great British 2016 Olympic Dressage Team, 2017 European Dressage Team and 2018 World Equestrian Games.
Kristjan is a 14yr old Oldenburg Gelding by Polarion and he is a homebred. He’s my 2nd horse at Grand Prix. He’s been very successful at small tour, winning the small tour at Hartpury CDI and he’s in his 1st year the Grand Prix.
Amiek C is a 9 yr old Dutch warmblood. I have co owned him with Anne Hutton since he was 3. He’s competing at Advanced Medium with the hope of doing small tour this year
Who could you not do this sport without?
There are so many people but my owners are the big ones! The Bechtolsheimer’s have put their trust in me to train and ride their horses. The girls that looks after my horses especially now I have less time now I’m a mum! Sponsors play a be part in getting us to the arena.. allowing us to have great products or skills to perform our very best!
My Pegasus vitality bracelet is definitely helping me keep strong while I have had to adjust to being a parent!
Now for some quick fire questions!
Cheese or Chocolate? Cheese
Christmas or Birthday? Christmas
Snow or Sun? Sun
Bay or Grey? Grey (even though all my horses are bay!)
Music or Movie? Movie
Grand Prix or Young Horse Classes? Grand Prix