We are Sarah & Amelia Tomkins at Hillside Eventing.

I have run the yard since 2009, combining sales, competition, schooling and liveries alongside teaching and freelance work. Millie is currently studying business at college and hopes to combine a marketing career with life at the yard.

I started riding as a teenager, joining Pony Club with huge determination and gaining experience wherever I could, including with Dave Quigley and Andrew Heffernan, where my passion for eventing began.

Millie has ridden from a young age through Tanatside Pony Club and started eventing at 12. One of our proudest achievements has been producing horses through the levels, with highlights including Advanced BE at Little Downham, Hartpury International 3* and being long listed for the European 3* team on Neo.

We are ambitious but realistic, and incredibly grateful for the opportunities our horses have given us. For us, enjoying the journey and loving the horses always comes first.

1. Where are you based?

We are based on the Shropshire/Powys border, miles from anywhere on the side of Long Mountain. We have a yard of 12 stables, a 20 x 60 arena and lots of hill work.

2. When did your riding journey begin?

I started riding as a teen and got it all from my Grandad, who was a keen hunting man. I don’t know what made me want a horse — I think it was just in my blood from birth. I just know I begged for a pony every day from day dot and had to wait a long time!

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

My love has always been eventing, and I am a total dressage perfectionist — I love my flatwork. My least favourite is showjumping, but recently I have become a BS regular. Nothing can replace the cross-country adrenaline though.

4. What has been your proudest achievement so far?

I think I am too easily pleased! I have so many proud achievements, and I think I’m proud of every outing if I’m honest. I did mention a couple of highlights earlier.

5. Tell us about your top horse!

I don’t have a top horse at the moment. I am riding some very lovely owners’ horses at lower levels, whilst my own Raff is heading down the pure dressage route and has just started at Medium.

My homebred Quickie is showjumping, and his younger brother is just turning four, so I’m hoping he will be my eventer. Millie is very excited about her mare, who had previously been a broodmare and is showing great talent for the future.

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

Routine? Every day goes differently when you have a family, freelance teach and compete.

We have Alice, who does Tuesday to Friday for three hours first thing in the morning while I drop the kids off. Myself and Millie sort the yard the rest of the time.

The honest truth is I used to easily ride 8–12 horses a day, and now if I do six a day, I feel like I’ve been a total hero because I just can’t fit it all in like I used to.

We like to start at 7:30am, earlier in the heat, and finish anywhere between 6pm and 9pm — much to my partner’s dismay!

7. What are your goals for the future?

Both Millie and I would love to do Badminton Grassroots. We are always at that level on inexperienced horses and then move up, but that’s what we aim for at the moment.

I am also really hoping to get Raff to PSG dressage within the next year and continue qualifying for Nationals as we go.

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

Enjoy what you do and love the horse before the sport.

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

I don’t think I do, but I think people around me would say I have loads! I have to have everything tidy and organised for a competition. I can’t just wing it — I annoy everyone with that.

10. Favourite post-ride snack or treat?

I just love food full stop, and no competition nerves will stop me from eating!

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

I have found a difference using the Acti-Soothe, the Joint Aid and the Recovery Mash, so now I won’t change anything.

Quick Fire Round

Bay or Grey? Couldn’t choose.

Mare or Gelding? I always think I love mares, but I love my geldings too.

Dressage or Showjumping? Dressage.

Hacking or Flatwork? Flatwork.

Matchy sets or Classic colours? Classic colours.

Indoor arena or Riding outside? Outside.

Tea or Coffee? Depending on the time of day.

Sweet or Savoury? Again, I couldn’t choose — I’d have both.

Dream horse? I have my dream horses, but obviously I’d love to have Ros Canter’s Walter.

Favourite thing about competing? The feeling of the partnership and support from others, and supporting others. I’m a social gal! I am often the only one clapping and “wahooing” at the side of the arena for my pals.