My mother always loved horses and rode for fun as a child, so she introduced us kids to riding when I was very little. I got my first dressage pony at five (which was switched to a show jumper really quickly), but also spent my summers in Denmark doing riding camps. While we are a horse loving family, we are not professionals, and have had to learn about the sport step by step along the way.
I have been fortunate to have represented Great Britain on youth teams for the past five years in Nations Cups for Childrens, Ponies, and Juniors. I have also participated in the past four Youth European Championships, two in Children on Horses and two in Juniors, and am hoping to go to my third Junior European Championship this year (2025). Being on teams is always an amazing experience and something that I am very honoured to be a part of.
My proudest achievements are definitely the three Youth European team bronze medals, one in Childrens and the previous two years in Juniors. I have also enjoyed some great moments at the Youth Nations Cups with the teams.
Winning my first Longines Ranking Grand Prix was a big milestone for me personally.
Growing up in London, showjumping was not always easy as we had to drive an hour and a half to sit on a horse. So between school and competitive swimming when I was younger, the weekends were the only real time I could devote to riding. I am really happy to have moved to Belgium this past year and attend an international school in Brussels, where I can be closer to my horses and have a better balance between my school and sport. While it is sometimes a juggling act, academics are important to me and something that I would like to continue to pursue in the future.
I primarily train with Tony Newbery, and occasionally Stanny Van Paesschen when Tony is unavailable.
My ambition is to become a top level horsewoman and show jumper through hard work and dedication. Competing at the senior European and World Championships, and ultimately the Olympics, is my long-term aspiration. Short-term, I hope to be able to help the team achieve medals at Youth European Championships, and perhaps even an individual medal.
On a personal note, my great-grandfather won Olympic gold and silver medals, and my grandfather a World Championship gold medal, albeit in sailing. I would love to be able to continue that family legacy.
While the learning curve has been steep so far, coming from a non-professional home, I am very aware that I still have much more to develop and understand about the sport and all its aspects. As such, I am extremely appreciative of the resources, support, and expert advice available to me through the World Class Program, both in and out of the saddle. For example, I am excited to learn strategies on how to feel comfortable with public speaking, as that can be a worry of mine.