I’m Natasha Bonnick, a self-funded 22 y/o dressage rider and recently graduated from university with a first-class degree in Equine Sports Science. Currently, I have two horses, Pumpkin (12 y/o warmblood) and Bo (23 y/o cob x). I have (very recently) competed at advanced medium level with British Dressage on Pumpkin (whom I’ve produced myself). I’ve ridden at numerous area festivals, regionals and BD Youth competitions (such as Home Nations) over the last few years, all on horses I’ve had to train myself. In 2024 I was fortunate enough to be selected for the BD Youth Foundation Academy (something I very much have my sights on again) and subsequently chosen as reserve for the hotly contested National Academy 2025. Currently, I have two horses, Pumpkin (12 y/o warmblood) and Bo (23 y/o cob x).

1. Where are you based?

I’m based in Nottinghamshire with a small set up at home with 4 stables a 20x40m arena and a few acres of turnout for the boys. I’m incredibly lucky to be in a great location with numerous venues down the road!

2. When did your riding journey begin?

I believe I was 2 when I first sat on a pony (it’s been that long I can’t even remember!). I remember going up and down the drive on a pony at our family friend’s house. That was enough to get me hooked! I was given a riding lesson at a local riding school for my 7^th birthday and immediately wanted to attend the weekly Saturday lessons. Neither of my parents came from a horsey background (although my mum had a few lessons when she was younger) so we stuck at the riding school and loaned one of the ponies two days a week once I was competent enough. A good few years later we got our first pony from a friend and the rest is history!

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

British Dressage. I was once convinced I’d be the next eventing star, however, nowadays I definitely prefer sticking to circles in a sandpit!

4. What has been your proudest achievement so far?

Training Pumpkin myself from a very green and wobbly prelim horse to touching on the PSG work. He’s tested me more than any horse with so many ‘nearly moments’ but seeing him grow in confidence has made me extremely proud. I have never ridden a horse trained above advanced medium, so, seeing it coming together knowing I’ve reached that point myself is a huge achievement.

5. Tell us about your top horse!

Pumpkin is a 12y/o German warmblood whom I got as a very green 9 y/o. I’ll admit, he was definitely greener than I initially expected, however I could see some serious potential for the dressage ring. I had my eye on Pumpkin years before he became mine. A friend had him from a 6 y/o with the intention of eventing him, I of course was following her on Instagram and when he that first video was posted of them together, I instantly knew he was my type of horse! Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out and two years later, on a random Thursday in June, I noticed him up for sale. We weren’t looking at the time but we went to try him and he was home the following week!

Since then I’ve taken him from novice to (very recently) advanced medium with the big goal of reaching PSG. He’s extremely talented and has had some fantastic scores & results, however, he is one quirky horse and has made me think outside the box – more times than I’d like to admit! It’s taken time to build his confidence in big atmospheres but he’s starting to come into his own now which is very exciting!

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

Since graduating last July, I’m currently working outside of horses, so my days involve plenty of juggling & planning to keep everything going! Before work I sort the horses out (which is easier now the weather is nice and they’re out overnight) before changing to avoid taking the smell into the office! Once I’m home at around 4:15pm, I get straight to exercising Pumpkin, if it’s a work day for him, before cracking on with the yard jobs – such as poo picking, harrowing the arena, fixing fencing etc.

Some evenings we take Pumpkin to the treadmill so that’s a quick turnaround once I’m home. Wednesdays is usually reformer pilates day for me so Pumpkin usually has that off, unless we have a competition coming up, in which case I’ll quickly exercise him before or after pilates.

7. What are your goals for the future?

I have a strong passion for equine biomechanics and research behind improving the performance of sport horses. This is something I’d love to build a career in whilst continuing to compete - science plays a huge part in the tack I use, training routine and nutrition with Pumpkin.

Competition wise I’d love to see how far Pumpkin and I can get. We still have a lot to learn and improve on, but I believe he has it in him to get far. Of course, an international would be the big, long-term goal, however, for now I have my eyes set on wearing that tailcoat!

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

Don’t give up! The sport can be tough and it’s easy to get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing. We’re all on our own journey, try to focus on what you’re doing- as hard as it can be! I recommend getting a great support team (trainer, friends, family members etc) you can share the highs – and importantly – the lows with.

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

I always, always, always plait using thread and stick with 7 plaits down the neck! The shows I’ve banded his plaits at, haven’t gone so well. Now I cannot bring myself to band them! Although sewing has not guaranteed a high score at every competition so I’m not sure how fail safe that pre- competition ritual is – it’s the thought that counts!

10. Favourite post-ride snack or treat?

Not food but I must have a cup of tea afterwards, ideally M&S gold but if not, a strong Yorkshire tea will do!

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

Solution mash! It has completely transformed Pumpkin by providing the energy he needs for the higher levels. His muscle condition has significantly improved since having solution mash – I wouldn’t feed him anything else now!

QUICK FIRE ROUND ⚡

• Bay or Grey? Bay
• Mare or Gelding? Gelding
• Dressage or Showjumping? Dressage
• Hacking or Flatwork? Flatwork
• Matchy sets or Classic colours? Classic Colours
• Indoor arena or Riding outside? Outside (unless it’s day 200 of winter, then I’d appreciate an indoor!)
• Tea or Coffee? Tea 100%!
• Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
• Dream horse? Can I say Pumpkin?
• Favourite thing about competing? When all the hard work pays off and you leave the ring feeling extremely proud of your horse! Of course, I love a win and a great score but if I’m happy with the test, that’s all that matters.