For any readers wanting to start out in Eventing, what would be your top tips for getting started?
I would say to people that are just wanting to start out in eventing to give it a go and don’t be afraid to ask people for any help or advice. Even the professionals had to start at some point, and they remember that and will be very willing to take a minute to answer a question you may
What is your greatest achievement?
There are 2 main achievements that I am proud of with my eventing. Firstly, I was First Reserve for the Pony European Team in 2017. Secondly, I was 3rd in the CCIJ2* U18 championships at Frickley Park this year.
What aim and ambitions do you have?
My ultimate aim is to ride at the Olympics for team GB. Also, I would love to win the Grand Slam one day. However, less far in the future I would love to complete a CCI4* next year getting on a European team is also a goal of mine.
have. Also, I would say to ensure that you consolidate at one level before you push on to the next as it only takes a minute to lose confidence but takes a long time to regain it and whilst you want to progress and need to try new things, ensure you are secure and confident with what you are doing at one level before making it more difficult.
Who inspires you?
I love watching the eventing on the TV and there are so many professionals that have inspired me. One person who has inspired me more than most is Oliver Townend because he has reached the top of our sport through his own hard work, determination and desire to get there. Another person who has inspired me is Piggy French again it has taken her a bit longer to reach the top but she also embodies hard work and grit to make something happen and this is something that I believe everyone needs if they are going to succeed in something. Also, watching Michael Jung ride just at the time that I was really starting to take an interest in eventing was something that inspired me because of how effortless he made everything look.
How do you relax away from horses?
I generally do not have much time that is not consumed by horses or school work, studying for my A-levels. When I do get some downtime, I love watching events such as Badminton and Burghley, particularly the xc so that I can learn from the people who are at the top of the sport. I also enjoy relaxing by playing FIFA because I am a passionate football fan as well.
What is your plan this winter?
This winter we are planning on doing lots of jumping shows to ensure that by the time next season is here I am confident in a plan of how to jump each horse in the arena to maximise their potential. We are also going to do lots of dressage competitions for the same reason, so that we have a clear plan with all the horses. I am also going to follow a personal fitness plan so that I am in top physical condition myself for next season. We will go xc schooling enough so that the horses stay confident but mainly it will be the dressage and jumping we will be working on as these are the areas where it is easier to make small adjustments which make bigger impacts on the results and these are the disciplines that I need to keep developing more so than my xc which is my strongest discipline.
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