My riding journey began before I could even walk, but it really kick-started at four-years-old with my first pony called MG (Morning Glory) – at the time, I thought having the same initials as my pony was pretty cool. MG was on loan to us and, a few years later, my heart landed on dressage with another pony called Jinks – he was the coolest dude ever, he did everything and he took me to my first ever Nationals at aged nine. Two parents with a horsey background most definitely helped, with Mum – Caron Roberts – coaching international Pony Riders. This meant that, from a young age, I got to experience the International circuit, including the historic Pony gold medals in 2014.
I have been involved with the following teams:
In 2022, I debuted in the Junior International class on Nibeley Union Hit (Una), along with Dresscode Cocktail (Biscuit) in the Pony International class. I went on to qualify and be selected for both European Championships, but you can only go to one European Championships each year – ultimately, I was chosen to go to the home European Championships in the Juniors at Hartpury, where we went on to win team bronze.
The following year, I again qualified and was selected for both the Junior and Pony European Championship teams. Once again, I rode down the centre line at the Junior Europeans, this time in Kronberg, Germany. The team won a bronze medal and, in the freestyle, Una and I danced to an individual medal. Following the Europeans, Una and I topped the FEI World Rankings and held the number one for just under a year. As 2023 came to an end, I took on the ride on Nibeley Black Pearl (Whitney), a direct aunt to Una.
Last year (2024), saw me take my first National title on a horse that I had produced through the levels, which was a very rewarding feeling. Later in the year, I qualified and was selected for the European Championships on Una, with Whitney as my direct reserve. At the Europeans, we finished in the top seven on all three days, before finishing off 2024 with a national title on Una.
I have spent my entire life in Royal Wootton Bassett, based at my Mum's livery yard, Caron Roberts Equestrian. In the early days, I was mixed in with the liveries but, as my team of horses grew, the need for an independent yard became apparent. Hence, my dad converted the garage where he had built my HGV lorry for over 4 years into my very own yard, with its own tack room, feed room, rug room and wash bay. My mum has been my main coach for my entire life and even when it does get a little challenging between us, I wouldn’t have anyone else because I know she just wants to see me succeed. I've also had training from Peter Storr since about the age of 12, who adds a varied perspective on movements. I could not be more grateful of my parents, who have grown the business into a 40-box yard, and for the time they have given to see me succeed.
My main goals are to gain all the experience I can while in the youth sectors, then being in a position to step up to seniors and one day represent Great Britain at senior level. While working as a competition rider, I will also be getting coaching qualifications alongside BHS exams and starting to having schooling liveries. Alongside this, I'll be developing my team of competition horses for current and future owners.
I think being on the World Class programme will be exciting because of the unparalleled knowledge and experience available from all of the support team. New perspectives will help me grow as rider and coach – even the smallest of details gleaned from the programme can bring a noticeable change.