Riding Into the Spotlight: Why I Entered the Small Business Big Break Competition

Riding should be fun, and getting to know and understand horses is part of the sport.
When you first meet a horse, it can feel daunting—but with professional coaching, you begin to understand how horses think and act, and how to communicate with them. That’s where the real magic begins.

Learn to Ride at Weekends is a programme I’ve designed especially for adults who’ve always wanted to know more about horses and wished they could learn to ride. It’s for those who never found the right time or place—or who thought the door to riding had quietly closed.

I know that people lead busy lives, with work and family commitments pulling them in all directions. That’s why this programme is built to open up a window into the equestrian world during the time many of us actually have available: the weekend.

When I saw the opportunity to enter the Small Business Big Break competition with Enterprise Nation and Channel 4, I knew this was the right moment to share it more widely.

The competition offers ten small businesses the chance to bring their idea to life with a professionally produced TV ad—and I’ve entered with Learn to Ride at Weekends because I believe we need to make it easier for people to say yes to trying something new.

As part of the Learn to Ride at Weekends programme, I offer digital coaching support to help new or returning riders build confidence before they get in the saddle. The course is designed to help them understand what to expect at their first lesson, feel more relaxed around horses, and learn some key riding concepts and horsemanship skills—so when they do book a ride, they feel informed and prepared.

As a BHS Coach, I spotlight the incredible value of working with BHS Approved Riding Schools and Accredited Professional Coaches (APCs)—because I want more people to experience the kind of support that shaped my own journey. I also highlight the BHS Challenge Awards as a brilliant way to track progress and build confidence in and out of the saddle.

You’ll also have access to supportive tools—logbooks, rider resources, and the Heroes Riding Club community—so you never feel like you’re learning alone.

And while winning a TV ad would be amazing, this campaign is about more than airtime.

It’s about creating a space for people who have always dreamed of learning to ride—people who need a way in that feels welcoming, flexible, and achievable.

Thank you for cheering me on—and for believing in the future I’m building.

Let’s show the world what’s possible, one weekend at a time.