Q & A

1. When did you start riding?
I can’t remember! My Granny kept ponies for my sisters and I in Devon when we were little, and I had a beautiful dun called Merrylegs. ‘Megs’ as she was called gave me my first win in fact – in the local gymkhana for best leading rein pony – and my first bit of publicity as well as we managed to get into the paper! (Although the judge had to pose as my Mum as apparently she wasn’t dressed smartly enough!)

2. Why did you choose Eventing?
I sort of stumbled into doing it really – or doing it properly anyway. My parents both competed a little, so I Evented with the Pony Club (Duke of Buccleuch) when we moved to Scotland, and then when I got Little Beau it just sort of happened. My main aim was to get on the Area PC team, but then we slipped into doing JRN’s, and then after I’d won a couple of those I got the taste of success, and it spiralled from there.

3. Who was your first/ is your hero rider?
Mary King! I had posters of her with King William and Star Appeal all over my wall – and was very upset when my Mum told me it was time to get some proper wallpaper. I’ll never forget how friendly and smiley she was to the whole rabble of mini autograph hunters I was part of at Thirlstane Castle – something I appreciated so much at the time, and has really stuck with me.

4. What was your first big win?
The best prize I have won is undoubtedly my gold medal. It was so special being part of a team success like that (Blair Castle YR Europeans), and the memory of it is still a large element of what inspires me today.

7. When did you last see something special in a horse?
Miss Perky is pretty much my ideal type – she is small and nimble, but has amazing presence and springs in her feet. I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her, and although she can be a little opinionated I really enjoy working with her.

8. What couldn’t you live without?
Caffeine! And Little Beau’s jumping saddle – it’s my original Devoucoux so is now perfectly worn in, in addition to being unbeatable for comfort, security and beauty.

9. What horse you would love to own?
I watched Kai Ruder go cross-country on Charlie Weld at Bramham, and it looked absolutely effortless.  I think he’s quite big though so I wouldn’t mind a slightly smaller version…

10. When did you last fall off?
I took a tumble with Out of Africa at Little Downham last year, which was unfortunate, but before that it was probably breaking one of our youngsters at home.

11. If someone took you out to dinner… where would be your first choice?
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to represent Devoucoux at a dinner held at Raymond Blanc’s hotel – Le Manoir. It was incredible; an exquisite six course meal accompanied by a selection of Veuve Clicquot champagne and wines, in the most magical place with fairy lights everywhere. It was perfection – made even better because I got to chat to the legendary M. Blanc himself as well.

12.  What is your tipple?
My friend Charlie is a genius at mixing up Whisky sours, so it would have to be that; a dangerously drinkable real treat.