The eldest of four children, I grew up on a farm in Northamptonshire where horses were always part of daily life. My mother was an event rider and my father worked for Tattersalls, and together they ran a hunter livery and dealing business. I started on ponies at home, from the memorable Joey the Shetland through to Smokey and the wonderful Mrs Plum, while also riding young ponies and hunters sourced from Ireland.

My mother had trained with Lars Sederholm, so although I never had formal lessons with her, I’m sure my early grounding was correct. Hunting a wide variety of young horses also taught me quick reactions and plenty of stickability. Through the Grafton Pony Club, and under the guidance of Delia Cunningham, I was lucky to be part of successful teams, including winning the Pony Club Championships in 1979.

After losing my mother at 16, I was incredibly well supported by family friends who helped me continue riding and eventing. Following a period working in London, I returned to horses after moving to Sussex, buying Spring Spartan in 1990. He proved to be an exceptional horse, taking me to 7th at Osberton CCI** within two seasons.

I later enjoyed great success with Mossfort (Hungry), who reignited my love of competing. Together we won the Intermediate at Eridge and completed four three-day events, and he went on to have a long and successful career.

In 2006, I completed a Psychology degree at UCL, before working as a Research Assistant and continuing my involvement in the equestrian industry, including roles at Old Lodge Stud and Breen Equestrian. During this time, I moved from eventing into show jumping and began training with Shane Breen, whose support has been invaluable in developing both my riding and confidence.

Since then, I have produced and sold a number of horses, and was incredibly lucky to own Doonaveeragh Emma, who progressed from young horse classes to competing successfully at CSI2* 1.40m and 1.45m level. She was very much a horse of a lifetime and having completed her role as a broodmare is now back in work, jumping at a low level.

More recently, I have stepped back from producing very young horses and now focus on producing and competing more established horses, alongside developing a small breeding programme with the continued support of Shane Breen at Hickstead.

Alongside riding, I coach a range of riders across show jumping, eventing, and team chasing, which I greatly enjoy. I am an EQ Bands Accredited Coach and also a UKCC Level 2 Coach for Show Jumping

We are based in a beautiful part of East Sussex, with excellent access to Ashdown Forest, Sheffield Forest, and the South Downs, as well as good facilities at home—making it an ideal setting for both training and producing horses.