Riding at 50 A New Chapter

I’ve been thinking about the horses who have shaped my riding life, and the invisible thread that connects us.

Toby, the 13hh pony so many of us dream of. Solitaire, who first showed me the value of flatwork in preparing for jumping. Polocrosse followed, with George and then Ginty joining the family.

William was the first horse I bought when I came home from New Zealand, a true gentleman. Then Roughway Jack, who introduced me to British Dressage, along with Sebastian, who I competed during that time.

Later came Cookie and Neptune, before beginning the steady process of rebuilding after injury with Salvation.

Each of them carried a similar feel. Each one taught me something, not just about riding, but about myself.

Their stories and personalities stay with me.

I’m beginning to look ahead now, to the horse I’ll share the next chapter with.

After my young rider days showjumping and playing polocrosse, I began studying for my BHS exams. I spent time in New Zealand before returning home to complete my Stage 4 Riding and Intermediate Teaching, becoming what is now a Senior Coach.

That gave me the foundation and confidence to ride Jack, and to begin progressing through the British Dressage levels.

Each ride has shaped how I ride. It matters to me that I develop a partnership with every horse, and through that, my awareness of each horse’s character, along with my decision making, feel and skills, have continued to develop.

Jack was a retired Advanced horse, and taking on a fit and successful competition horse was both a joy and a challenge. Together, we progressed through the British Dressage levels with great success.

Salvation made it possible for me to return to riding and rebuild my sense of myself as a rider. After injury, competing had felt a long way off. With him, my arena craft and self-belief returned.

I’m ready to search for my next horse.

I’m drawn to the idea of a horse who has already had a life in sport. A horse who enjoys the home arena, hacking, and the competition environment.

I’m looking for a horse to begin my next chapter with.

I can offer an experienced and capable home where a horse can continue to thrive and be well loved.

I’m particularly interested in a horse coming towards the end of an eventing career, who is ready to begin a second career in the dressage arena, alongside plenty of hacking.

The right horse can enjoy their golden years with me, while giving their owners the opportunity to be part of my team and experience a new competition pathway.

For now, I’m taking my time. Looking ahead, with a clearer sense of what I’m ready to build next.