I came back to riding after more than 10 years out of the saddle. In January 2016 I took the plunge and bought my dream pony, Benji. We’ve had nearly two amazing years together, building our skills and learning to be a team. For 2018 we have decided to seize the moment, as he is old enough and I’m not too old!- to do the thing I have always dreamed of: a BE80!

We don’t have a yard, we don’t have an arena (let alone an all-weather, indoor, floodlight one!), and our hacking consists of a couple of fields alongside the M4. Our very few show-jumps are all handmade and all my time and money goes into making sure Benji is really well cared for, and fit for this challenge. We are the meaning of the phrase ‘DIY on a budget’!- but I try my best for him, and he tries his best for me. 

Hannah Francis inspired me to believe that life is just too short not to do what makes you truly happy, so I’m throwing all my energy into making my hobby a success, and achieving what I dreamt of as a pony-mad child. To be taking on this challenge in memory of someone who fought so hard against the odds is an honour.