Charlie is already a dressage star in his own right.

At just 19, he competes internationally at Intermediate II level and is a member of the British Young Riders team.

The Interview

1. What are your first memories of horses or horseriding? How old were you when you started and what are your achievements to date?

I have ridden all my life (I’m nearly 20)  as my mother Pammy Hutton is an international dressage rider and my father Brian is a trainer.  I loved it when I was younger and did a lot of hunting and jumping – then I stopped for a while.

My mum ended up paying me £1 for each time I rode as she wanted me to do my BHS AI qualification (A British Horse Society teaching qualification) so I would always have something to fall back on. In the end I got back into riding and have been doing dressage for the last 5 years.

I rode in the European Championships for three years and before that was the highest placed on the Young Rider team. I was very proud recently to be part of the team that won Gold at the Youth Olympics in Sydney and also to win the individual Silver.

2. What was your funniest moment on (or off!) a horse?

I went hunting when I was around 11 years old on my junior event horse. He was so fast we overtook the huntsmen AND the hounds.

I got a good telling off afterwards not only from my father but also in a very gentlemanly way, from the Master!

3. Who is your horse related hero?

Isabelle Werth – the leading international dressage rider.

My trainers are both my mother Pammy Hutton who was the Dressage Trainer to the Gold Medal winning Australian Three Day Event Team at the Barcelona Olympics and is involved in training three members of the Gold medal winning Paralympic team.  I also train with the German trainer Jonny Hilberath.

4. What advice would you give to someone who is considering horseriding?

Have fun – enjoy it – don’t be forced into it as you must really love the sport – it’s not cheap and to do it well you need commitment – but it’s a great sport for young people to get into.

5. Do you have any particular equestrian ambitions?

I have my sights set on 2012 of course, it is a goal – an ambition of my, however I’m not fixated on it – you can’t be really. I have two lovely 9 year old horses – Abira and Merlin Nemorensis who are my hopes.

6. What are the most important things about being involved with horses and horse riding for you (eg out in open air, at one with an animal etc)?

The communication with the horse and I think you really learn excellent co-ordination between your seat, legs, hands – the whole body has to work together at lighting speed to get the most out of the horse.

7. Do you feel more opportunities to ride should be offered to children – either through schools programmes or other incentives? What do you think would get more children into the sport?

Yes I’d love to see more kids getting into the sport but you have to be realistic –it’s a bit more expensive than buying a football and a pair of boots!