My first main memory of riding is getting eliminated at my first ever one-day event when I was seven, on my naughty loan pony Lucy. We may have not made it past the third cross-country fence, but I did get a score of 17.5 in the dressage. This introduction to eventing has taught me two important lessons: 1) that it is very much about getting all three phases right on the same day and 2) dressage is not that simple (17.5 is still my best ever score)!
I have come up through the ranks as part of the British Eventing U18 programme. I missed out on Pony trials due to a growth spurt at 13 that shot me to over 6ft! My last ever event on my 14.2hh pony, Simon, was at Weston Park BE100u18 championships. After a competitive dressage and showjumping, I set out the start box gunning for a top placing, only for my feet to get stuck in a brush at fence 5, resulting in Simon making it to the other side of the fence, and me stood on top of it feeling rather embarrassed! Being a part of the East Midlands U18 region was like being in a huge family, and my experience culminated in a third place finish at Frickley CCJ* Championships in 2018 on 'region legend' Painted Moon, who I rode for part of the season while his jockey recovered from a skiing injury.
Away from riding, I enjoy playing and listening to music. I play the trumpet and love to challenge myself with new repertoire. I had some fantastic performance opportunities while in sixth form, such as playing solos at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Bridgewater Hall and around Berlin on a tour. A definite highlight for me would have to be playing the Last Post annually. Playing such a poignant piece at a time when Manchester falls silent is extremely humbling.
At home, I like to spend time cooking and baking. My most recent speciality would have to be the 'flat egg', which is most easily described as an egg burrito! I use a pancake pan and pour scrambled egg mix in to cover the bottom. Then, as it cooks, add toppings such as cheese, ham and tomato. Fold and eat! It keeps me full all day and is full of protein.