I’m Tony French, an experienced show jumper and coach with a passion for helping both horses and riders reach their full potential.

I have been competing for over 40 years and have successfully produced horses up to Grand Prix level. Throughout my career, I have qualified for and competed at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

QUESTIONS

1. Where are you based?

I am based in Little Ness , Shrewsbury on a lovely private yard with amazing facilities

2. When did your riding journey begin?

I started riding at 10 when I saw horses trotting past the end of my road

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

I show jump now . However have competed in eventing to advanced level . I have also done dressage to advanced level

4. What has been your proudest achievement so far?

Winning the 4 year old final at Bolesworth International Horse Show and being placed in World Ranking classes abroad would be some of my favourite times

5. Tell us about your top horse!

my top horse at the moment is Donny’s Boy EH Z . He is 8 years old and has qualified for the Newcomers nationals. We have recently stepped up to 1.40 level

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

I help do the horses in the morning. I teach all day and evening . Slotting in riding around my days teaching . Every day is different

7. What are your goals for the future?

I would love to jump to Hoys again and jump abroad at some good shows

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

listen to your instructor 🤣.

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

yes - my throat lash has to be on number 4 and I always have a lucky pound in my pocket I have numerous playlists – cross country hype; dressage serenity and show jumping – should be called panic but I think its labelled concentration!!!  Yes the show jumping is my least favourite phase.

10. Favourite post-ride snack or treat?

I love a hot chocolate

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

muscle builder as it has transformed Joey my six year old

QUICK FIRE ROUND ⚡

• Bay or Grey? Grey 
• Mare or Gelding? GELDING
• Dressage or Showjumping? Showjumping
• Hacking or Flatwork? HACKING
• Matchy sets or Classic colours? CLASSIC COLOURS
• Indoor arena or Riding outside? RIDING OUTDOORS
• Tea or Coffee? Hot Chocolate
• Sweet or Savoury? SAVOURY
• Dream horse? Monarco
• Favourite thing about competing? Winning