RIDER PROFILES

Durham based event rider Amy may only be 23 but she already has a long list of successes to her credit and is in a great position to give many more seasoned eventers a run for their money. Having recently set up a yard at home, she has a dedicated back up team (her family) to help her achieve her ambitions of a four star victory and representing her country at senior level.

Amy started her riding career at five and by the age of eight knew she wanted to become a top event rider. She says, “Getting riding lessons from my parents for my 5th birthday was the most expensive mistake they ever made! Their support is invaluable and I know how lucky I am to be able to do what I love every day.”

With the help of her top horse, Highville (or Bobby as he is known at home), she won both the under 18 and under 21 National titles and then went on to claim both team and individual Gold Medals at the 2006 Young Riders European Championship at Pardubice, in less than perfect weather conditions. In 2007 she rode as the ‘guinea pig’ dressage rider at Badminton and jetted off to Hong Kong to try out the Olympic track in the test event there, as well as being Eventing magazine’s diarist for the season.

Also in Amy’s string are Whos Cruise (Tom), Mayflower II (May), High on a Hill (Hill) both sired by Mayhill, and some youngsters and owners horses in for schooling and competition. “The relationship I have with all of my horses is very special,” Amy tells us, “and, although the hours are long and the work is unforgiving, I love it!”

This year, Amy started the season with a 5th in the Futurity class at Belton, two top ten placings at Central Scotland’s CIC**, and a fantastic 2nd in the under 25 CCI** at Tattersalls, Ireland. She has also been selected by The British Equestrian Federation as a Member of the Regional Foundation Squad, which offers help and support to talented riders.  As well as reporting at events and writing equestrian articles  Amy hopes to carry on producing her horses through the levels and in the long term has her sights set on Badminton and representing Great Britain at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games and European Championships. “I try not to take life too seriously though as we all have disappointments and in this sport you have to pick yourself up and keep going.” - A good head on young shoulders then!