Fiona Maynard

Rider Profile

Name:
Fiona Maynard
Location:
Kent

EARLY EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES

I started riding aged four at a local riding school – I was totally pony-mad and took part in anything that meant I could spend time with horses because I came from a non-horsey background. When I started to lose my sight, I joined my local RDA group, Middleton RDA, who got me hooked on dressage. They helped me realise I could continue riding, even when my macular degeneration progressed to me being registered as severely sight impaired by the age of 23. I was fortunate enough to work in the industry with top riders in my twenties, which gave me the skills and confidence to set up my own business later on. 

KEY MOMENTS 

I made the step up from RDA to para dressage in 2005 and have been a keen competitor ever since. I have competed at many championships and won the Gold Winter National Championships in 2025 and Gold Summer National Championships in 2024. 

HOME LIFE 

I am very fortunate to have my horses at home and I run a small training and rehabilitation yard. I train with Grand Prix rider Stephen Moore and I am very lucky to have had input from other riders and trainers over the years. 

EQUESTRIAN AMBITIONS 

My dream is to compete at major championships. 

BEING ON THE WORLD CLASS PROGRAMME 

The World Class Programme offers me amazing opportunities to improve my knowledge and skills in all aspects of elite sport. The wrap-around team approach means that both my home team and the World Class Programme staff can work together to help me and my horses optimise our performance and reach our competitive goals. 

ANYTHING ELSE 

I have a BSc in Equine Science and I have a B-Tech Level 5 in Sports Massage and rehabilitation. I run my own business alongside my competing career. I am a keen animal lover, with a collection of cats and dogs at home.