how it all started
When I was 7 years old my mum took me to the local riding school for my first ever riding lesson. I was on a very naughty pony called Noel who kept charging off and I fell off twice!! I was hooked from that moment!
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unconventional beginningsUnlike many professional riders I did not have my own horse until I left school and got a job, which meant I could afford one. Before that I had fortnightly lessons at Wellington Riding, but did have the opportunity to ride a friends pony at local shows.
I have always been very determined with a "never give up" attitude. This picture encapsulates this, as although my reins had been snatched out of my hands when he stumbled, I still managed to stay on and jump into the water below without penalty!!
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leap of faith
When I was 23 I gave up my office job to work full time with horses at Juliet Donald's yard (now owner of Happy Times). Here I cut my teeth breaking and bringing on young competition horses.
From here I went on to work for Leslie Law (Olympic gold medallist) and was placed 7th at only my second ever 3DE, which was Windsor 2* riding Master Blackjack, a horse I had produced myself.
From here I went on to work for Leslie Law (Olympic gold medallist) and was placed 7th at only my second ever 3DE, which was Windsor 2* riding Master Blackjack, a horse I had produced myself.
BLACKJACK - WINDSOR 3DE 2 STAR
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RECEIVING BEST DRESSAGE AWARD
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going alone
In 1997 I set up on my own, continuing with helping to produce young horses and setting up my first yard. Sadly Master Blackjack had a career ending injury as we were preparing for our first 3*. I bought and sold a few horses before I found Total Eclipse. I successfully produced him up to Intermediate.
no horse power
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2003-2008 during this time I found myself horseless, so I concentrated on teaching and gained my BHSI. I also became full time mum to my step children, so I was kept pretty busy.
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PASSION REIGNITED
I had client who had a lovely horse, but didn't have the time to do anything other than hunt him. I was schooling him one day and asked if she wanted me to compete him?
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I produced The Jacobite up to Novice and qualified him for the first ever Badminton Grassroots Championship where we came 14th. This really showed me how much I had been missing Eventing and galvanised me to making it happen again.
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starting again
I started competing other horses for clients either to sell, produce, or just for their enjoyment.
I approached Diane & Danny Miller, who along with myself and my mum, Julie Toombs, put together The Q Syndicate, with the aim of finding a horse to produce to top level and have fun along the way.
I approached Diane & Danny Miller, who along with myself and my mum, Julie Toombs, put together The Q Syndicate, with the aim of finding a horse to produce to top level and have fun along the way.
