None of my family was horsey but I’ve always loved racing and I learned to ride aged 10 at Dulwich Riding School alongside Dane Rawlins. We used to have competitions for condition and turnout in Hyde Park with all the other riding schools from the area. Riding in the ring has never interested me, I’ve just always liked looking after the horses.
When I left school, I worked for Dulwich Riding School before going to stunt rider Greg Powell, who has done stunts for the Bond films as well as jousting and he enjoyed hunting.
My first job in showjumping was working for international rider Sally Mapleson. She sent two horses to Nick Skelton – Rhapsody and Airborne – and I went with the horses. She said I wouldn’t last more than a couple of months with Nick, but 35 years later I’m still here…
This story is from the January 28, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 28, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A fitting finale
Tessa Waugh relates the second part of her husband's final day hunting hounds, which looked to be a hip flask tasting session until the proverbial three o'clock offered one last hurrah
'What a day to be Irish'
One nation is looking stronger than ever, but there is disappointment for the Brits in a thrilling second leg of the new-look League of Nations
The ultimate all-rounder
Romeo gave Robert Walker his love of showing - and hunting, with a five-mile point and an eight-mile hunt in the afternoon one memorable Boxing Day
Bouncing, bonny - and sound
H&H's hunting editor Catherine Austen is delighted to report that her horse has finished the season in fine form, and takes a look at the future
'Will there be any riding schools left?'
Pammy Hutton on the current challenges faced by the equestrian industry
New competition to replace Aachen's FEI Nations Cup
The venue will host its own elite team dressage competition instead
Seven Badminton champions on this year's event entries list
Seven former winning riders are due to start, but no previous equine victors are on the list
Blair lost as concerns grow for eventing in Scotland
Blair Castle Horse Trials will run for the 35th and last time this summer, sparking concerns for eventing in the region
A risk to horse health: warning against importing unauthorised medication
Illegally imported equine drugs have been seized by the relevant authorities in four recent cases
Protect your pocket
Insurance is a big monthly hit, but small tweaks can lower your premium. Sarah Isaacs finds out how to save costs appropriately