I’m Lili and I’m an 11 year old showjumper from Wales. I was born with symbracydactyly, which means my right hand didn’t form properly and I have no fingers or thumb. I ride with special reins that I can put my wrist through, made by Alice Reins. Lots of people don’t notice I’m missing my hand – I’ve had lessons where the trainer didn’t know me and asked me to swap my whip into the other hand!

We’ve always had horses at home and riding is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ve had lots of ponies over the years and most of them have been cheeky!

I started jumping affiliated last year and managed to win the Welsh bronze league in my first season and also a team gold medal for Wales in the 128 class. Not many people know that my first language is Welsh, so putting on my Wales jacket makes me feel really proud!

QUESTIONS

1. Where are you based?

I live on a hill farm in North West Wales. It’s in the middle of nowhere, which means beautiful views when hacking, but also means a LOT of driving to get to training and shows. I’m lucky that I have a good set up at home with an outdoor arena.

2. When did your riding journey begin?

My mum has photos of me on her horse before I could walk! I got my first pony, a Shetland called Iestyn, when I was about 18 months old. Although I had my own pony, I owe a lot to the Conwy Riding for the Disabled Centre and a special pony called Wally for getting me started properly.

3. What discipline(s) do you compete in?

I mainly showjump now, although I do still do some working hunter classes.

4. What has been your proudest achievement so far?

I can’t pick just one! I’ve just qualified Finn for Hoys in the 128 class at Kelsall. I’d fallen off in the warm up class and my mum was going to withdraw me, but my trainer Amanda Carpenter got me riding with the right mindset and Finn was amazing!

I was also really proud to win a gold medal for Wales when I competed on the 128 team at Welsh Home Pony last July. We had bought Finn in April and I’d only just started jumping BS in May - he was such a good pony to take me from 70cm to this in a couple of months!

Qualifying Chas for the nursery stakes at London International was a huge achievement for both of us. It was my goal all last season. I couldn’t believe it when they called my number out, I was so proud of him!

5. Tell us about your top horse!

Finn (Knockmenagh Rocco) is my main pony right now. Me and him just click. He’s got his own little ways but he’s taught me so much about jumping. Not to forget Chas (Linksbury Shazz) who is just the biggest character. I love that he can do any job well, I don’t think I’ve found anything yet he can’t turn his hoof to. He makes me laugh every day too!

6. What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m in charge of feeding so I will go out early in the morning and feed all the ponies. Sometimes I’ll ride one before school. I’m lucky that I don’t have to muck out, so I can get on with riding when I get home. The ponies do a mix of hacking and flatwork or pole work. We don’t jump much at home, once a week max. If I have training, it’s a rush as we’re an hour away so I have to pack the lorry the night before. I can usually persuade mum to stop at McDonalds on the way home though!

7. What are your goals for the future?

I’m going to be working really hard with Finn between now and Hoys to improve as we’re not very experienced at these heights. Jumping a mini major is one of my dream events so I’ll be trying to qualify for London again this year. I’ll be aiming to qualify Finn for the other 128 finals - competing in the main ring at Hickstead would be so cool, I think Finn would love it. I’m also going to be starting to produce some young ponies and I’m looking forward to seeing where we can progress with them.

8. Do you have any top riding tips or advice?

Just know that everyone gets nervous sometimes, but you have to believe you can do it or your pony won’t have the confidence they need.

9. Do you have any pre-competition rituals or lucky habits?

I have a lucky jacket, which I’ve grown out of! It’s not a popular one, but my mum managed to track down a bigger version and I was so happy.

10. Favourite post-ride snack or treat?

Always chocolate! A dairy milk eaten in less than 30 seconds!

11. What’s your favourite Rowen Barbary product and why?

I love the UltramintOil because it makes all my ponies look super shiny, without making them fizzy. They all love the taste too.

QUICK FIRE ROUND ⚡

• Bay or Grey? Grey…so long as it’s my mum bathing them!
• Mare or Gelding? Gelding
• Dressage or Showjumping? Showjumping
• Hacking or Flatwork? Hacking
• Matchy sets or Classic colours? Classic colours
• Indoor arena or Riding outside? Outdoors
• Tea or Coffee? Coffee, but only iced!
• Sweet or Savoury? Sweet
• Dream horse? Explosion W
• Favourite thing about competing? Winning! Can I say that?!