My showing education began in the United Kingdom when I was less than ten years old. I started out on a less than ideal mount, an 11hh skewbald pony called ‘Tullie’, of questionable age and breeding! However, we competed at a few local shows and this is when I first discovered how much fun showing could be. After growing out of Tullie, my parents bought me a 14hh Show Hunter Pony, called ‘Oscar Wilde,' followed by a 13hh Show Hunter and Working Hunter Pony, called ‘Rendene Christmas Wish.’ Later ponies included the 14.2hh Show Pony, ‘Hawkwind Country Maid’ and the champion in-hand Show Pony ‘Blaircourt Silent Dove’ This is when my interest in showing turned into a full blown passion. I read every showing and conformation book that I was able to get my hands on and did everything I could to learn. This included stewarding at countless British Show Pony Society events (BSPS), regularly taking part in the BSPS Young Judge’s Competition that is held at the BSPS Summer Championships in Peterborough every year and observing the country’s leading riders and handlers as much as possible.
After taking a few years out to study American Literature at university, I moved to New Zealand and my love for showing was reignited. I purchased a part-bred Arab weanling filly called ‘Graemar Repliqué’ and an Irish Sports Horse weanling filly called ‘Trevalda Jazzie Irish.’
Driven by my love for writing, I started freelancing for a number of publications, including print publication ‘Show Circuit’ and online magazine ‘Equine Trader.’ I have also recently started providing a leading UK based showing products and garments company with an online marketing service.
