Everything changed when I was thirteen and got Smartie, a sassy little mare who became the turning point in my riding career. She wasn’t just a pony—she was my partner, my teacher, and the one who took me from an inexperienced rider to a serious competitor. With her, I started pushing myself further, learning what it truly meant to compete. When I turned fifteen, I decided to focus on show jumping since that was the type of riding I enjoyed the most. The adrenaline, the precision, the connection between my horse and I was like nothing else.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of competing all over the UK, reaching international level, competing for my county and region, winning national titles and experiencing all the highs and lows of the sport. But the biggest privilege I have had has been creating a relationship with each of my horses. Having owned nine different horses over my riding career and producing one of them myself, I have had the privilege of having a true connection with each of them. To myself and riders across the world, horses are not just animals we ride or our partners in the sport; they truly are our best friends; we trust them with our lives, and they trust us with theirs.
the biggest privilege I have had has been creating a relationship with each of my horses
None of this would have been possible without my parents. My dad has always been my biggest supporter, standing by me through every triumph and setback. My mum, however, is the reason I even got the chance to chase my dreams. She was the one driving me to training and competitions, tacking up horses, grooming them, caring for them (and me), and making sure everything ran smoothly. She funded the competitions, the training, and everything else that made my success possible. I truly owe it all to my mum and my dad.
Most recently, I’ve had two incredible horses: Doris, a mare I broke in and trained myself, is now competing at 1m10 and proving to be an incredible young mare with so much potential, and Lady, a talented but demanding horse who needed more than I could provide while balancing university. I made the tough decision to sell her to a home where she could thrive, and she is truly having the best time with her new owner.
Stepping away from riding has been hard, but it’s also made me appreciate it more. There’s no feeling quite like riding, and nothing can ever match the adrenaline rush I experience when sitting on a horse. Riding gives me a sense of freedom I haven’t found anywhere else, and without it, there’s been a huge gap in my life.
Riding gives me a sense of freedom I haven’t found anywhere else, and without it, there’s been a huge gap in my life.
This time away has only reinforced that horse riding isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. Whether I’m competing or just spending time with horses, I know I’ll always find my way back to the sport that has given me so much and made me the person I am today.