The Interview

1. What are your first memories of horses or horseriding? How old were you when you started?

When I was about 6 my mother moved us to Minehead and there were ponies on the beach. I used to spend all my time with them. Eventually I was allowed to help and even ride them bareback to the fields. I was besotted despite terrible allergies. When I wasn’t with the ponies I would be watching 'Champion the Wonderhorse' on our black and white TV.

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

I had a little Welsh mountain pony who we bought from a riding school for £60. He was very bolshy but full of character. One of his kicks was to brush through the low-hanging branches and actually left me hanging off one whilst he bolted for home. No harm done other than uncontrollable giggles.

3. Who is your horse related hero?

I am not really a hero type and admire many different people for many different things.

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

I was asked by one of my fellow dragons whether he should take part in a riding event having never ridden before. I had two questions, did he have good balance and was he confident around horses. He was fine on both counts. The other key is to allow the time to put in the commitment needed to get the best out of riding. I am a pretty casual rider now, but that only comes after years of discipline.

5. Do you have any particular equestrian ambitions?

When I was a child, I wanted to be at the Horse of the Year Show but it was financially very difficult. Both parents worked. I also doubt I had the skills to be a really top class rider. I have never been a natural and had to work quite hard at it. My sisters were much better than me but I think I was probably the most committed.

6. What are the most important things about being involved with horses and horse riding for you.

I adore being around horses. I like looking after them, as much as I enjoy riding them. I love the moment when a mutual understanding and respect develops and it just ‘clicks’. You have to earn it with horses and it is not based on ‘who you are’ but how you are and how you behave with them. It is very hard and when you get it right, very worthwhile. I have had my best and most magical times on horseback, just me, the horse and beautiful countryside. It just doesn’t get better!

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?

Horses played a large part of my development. My parents were not ‘horsy’ people and made it clear that if I had a pony it was mine to look after and support.

I paid for food, stable rent, blacksmiths etc from pocket money and money I could earn in the summer holidays. I learned responsibility, commitment – even budgeting.

I am a very decisive person and I learned very early on the importance of clear direct and confident signals, a trait I continue with through life. Horses may not be for everyone, but being around them teaches many important life lessons that it is a shame more people are not encouraged to become involved with them.

I have watched painfully shy, retiring people just blossom and grow around them. Finding a way of offering children and adults alike this opportunity to ride would mean more people could benefit and learn confidence, important life skills and the trick is to find a way to overcome the structural issues surrounding land availability costs etc particularly in Cities.

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