I am hugely excited and apprehensive to be riding at Newbury on 7th November having only sat on a racehorse for the first time less than 8 weeks ago. Changing Lives Through Horses is a brilliant cause helping young people age 14-16 who, for various reasons, are disengaged and at risk of becoming excluded.

Using horses as the inspiration for change, the programme provides an
alternative learning environment to mainstream education.  From a personal perspective I know how important horses were in my upbringing and how much I have learnt from them in day to day lessons and within the broader picture of life.

Although I thought the idea of riding in a Charity race would be brilliant I wasn’t quite prepared for the level of fitness required so this did come as a bit of a shock!  I’m pleased to have passed the fitness test (identical exam for those getting an amateur or condition racing license) although I couldn’t feel my legs for about 48 hours after…

I have been lucky enough to ride out for Amy Murphy in Newmarket whilst trying to juggle my own horses, work, eventing, hours in the gym and a social life so although life is very hectic at the moment I couldn’t be enjoying the training more.