Hi, I’m Abi — a full-time showjumper and coach with a lifelong passion for horses. I first sat on a horse at 18 months old and have been competing in British Showjumping since the age of 10.

Some of my career highlights include competing at Horse of the Year Show twice, winning the 1.10m National Amateur title back-to-back, and becoming the first rider to win the Winter Bronze League Final three years in a row — all with my heart horse, Hearts Cruise, who I produced from a 5-year-old.

I’m currently competing PJS Cruise at 1.30m level while also producing exciting young horses, including Rarusa H, who I backed myself. My goal this year is to qualify for the HOYS evening performance classes, and alongside competing I run my own freelance riding and coaching business.

1. Where are you based?

I’m very lucky to live in beautiful County Durham. My yard is at my home, I have a lovely little yard of 6 stables, my own arena and fields. This yard is my entire life and I’m very proud of how we’ve built it up to the setup it is now. 

2. When did your riding journey begin?

My riding journey began when I first sat on a horse at just 18 months old, before starting to ride properly at the age of 3. After recovering from meningitis at 3 years old, I came out of hospital to my very first pony — the moment that truly started everything to come. Horses have been a huge part of my life ever since, leading me into a career as a full-time showjumper and coach.

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

Mainly showjumping, I do dabble in a bit of working hunter and arena eventing when I feel like it. 

4. What has been your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest achievement has to be winning the Winter Bronze League Final for the third year in a row — something that had never been done before. To achieve it with Hearts Cruise (Zi), my incredible little mare who wears her heart on her sleeve, made it even more special. The pressure going into that final was immense, which made the win even more rewarding.

5. Tell us about your top horse!

My top horse is PJS Cruise, who I’ve produced over the last year from British Novice level up to 1.30m tracks. He’s brave as a lion and a really special boy who has already taken me around some huge tracks. One of our biggest highlights was winning at the Great Yorkshire Show after only being together for two months. Since then, we’ve gone on to win multiple 1.20m classes, a Discovery Second Round, and qualify for several major finals.

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

A typical day for me starts around 7am and usually revolves entirely around horses. My mornings are spent riding my own horses alongside liveries in for breaking, schooling and sales production. Afternoons and evenings are usually dedicated to client work — riding for owners, teaching lessons, and carrying out equine massage therapy as a qualified ESMT practitioner.

It’s tough, long hours and hard work, but I genuinely love every part of it and wouldn’t want to do anything else.

7. What are your goals for the future?

Wow this is such a huge question. If I could be as delusional as possible and money was of no importance then a professional showjumper, riding in the GCT at Monaco in front of the yachts 😂. But maybe more achievable goals, definitely HOYs again, it’s the show everyone wants to be at. Possibly the U25s at London International Horse Show before I’m out on age. Lanaken would be incredible with one of my youngsters in the age classes. Career wise, just increasing my client base, helping as many people as possible. 

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

As someone who teaches, my job is to literally give advice on a daily basis. But this question is just so huge but one thing that I always find myself saying is “sit up, look up, weight into your feet and ride with confidence”. 

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

I try to keep myself away from these as it’s something that can distract you. My only thing I always do is when I’ve walked the course I imagine riding the course whilst I’m warming up. It helps you learn the course and visualise it better. 

10. Favourite post-ride snack or treat?

Sweet always. Energy drink first, some water if I’m feeling healthy, then cake or chocolate (love a crunchie). 

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

I’ve just started using Solution Mash. I was on Ready Fibre and Ready Mash Extra for years. But wow the Solution is incredible, the shine on my horses coats, they all look and feel so well, plus I love the smell of it, my feed room smells delightful always. 

QUICK FIRE ROUND ⚡

• Bay or Grey? Bay (I have 5 bays 😂)
• Mare or Gelding? Mare (love their fire and heart) 
• Dressage or Showjumping? Showjumping 
• Hacking or Flatwork? Flatwork all day long
• Matchy sets or Classic colours? Classic, can’t go wrong with Navy
• Indoor arena or Riding outside? That’s really hard, indoor in winter, outdoor in summer
• Tea or Coffee? Tea, coffee is foul
• Sweet or Savoury? Sweet tooth
• Dream horse? Hello Folie (what a chestnut mare she is, absolutely adore her, Scott please can I have a sit on 🙏🙏)
• Favourite thing about competing? That feeling when it all comes together, all the hard work and training which results in a good result, makes it all worthwhile.