RIDER PROFILES
Polly Stockton
Polly’s day begins by 7am when she starts either riding or mucking out, such is the glamorous life of a leading event rider! She normally rides for most of the day, barely stopping for lunch, as the demands of keeping her horses fit, going cross-country schooling or fitting in her own lessons take up so much of her time.
Dedication is the name of the game and Polly is determined to be part of the British Team for the Olympics in 2008. Although she had a few nasty falls and some very bad luck back in 2004, Polly says that by staying positive and focused she can put the bad bits behind her and move onwards and upwards. “It’s important to believe in yourself and your horse and never to give up,” says Polly. With solid demonstrations of horsemanship at many top events over the last couple of years including a nail biting 2nd at Burghley this year and a Three Star win at Barbury Castle, both on Tom Quigley, in 2006 we can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings for Polly and her team of talented horses.
Polly cannot remember not being involved in horses as both her parents were keen riders and would probably have ended up involved in equestrianism, perhaps in racing, if she hadn’t got the eventing bug. She feels incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to event and be able to spend time doing something she loves.
What couldn’t you live without?
My husband! Also my parents and groom, Jo Griffiths, or her lorry.
Most embarrassing moment?
Being eliminated in dressage at Badminton at my first attempt aged 21!
Lessons with Polly:
Available at £30 an hour
VITAL STATISTICS
BASED
Malpas, Cheshire
NUMBER OF HORSES
12
FAVOURITE BAILEYS PRODUCT
No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes
RESULTS THIS SEASON - So Far...
| Burghley - Four Star - 2nd (by only 1point!) on Tom Quigley |
| Bramham International - 2nd on Westwood Joker |
| Chatsworth International - 6th on Miss Haversham |
| Tattersalls - Two Star 4th on Westwood Poser |
| Tattersalls - One Star 7th on Estrada |
| Lexington - Four Star 13th on Tangleman |
TOP TIPS!
- Don't give up
- Believe in yourself and your horse
- Be positive
- Stay focussed