Background behind Equine Select

I have been involved with horses since the age of nine, riding at local riding stables and attending riding club camps, where I could compete at Dressage and Show Jumping events.

I had my first pony on loan when I was growing up, a small Welsh grey pony called Pepsi. After I outgrew her, and when I was older I bought an Irish Sport Horse a bay gelding out of one of Irelands top showjumpers Clover Hill, unfortunately he was a seasonal headshaker, which proved quite debilitating for horse and rider. In an attempt to find a resolution to the condition he was referred to the University of Liverpool, under the care of Dr. Knottebolt, the leading vet for this condition. He had part of his trigeminal nerve removed on the side of his face, to de sensitise him, but did not work, as it was believed the nerve nearer the brain was effected. We then decided based on humane grounds to put him to sleep.

I spent a year in the USA working with horses, firstly at a show jumping barn in Atlanta, Georgia, where I had daily jumping lessons, and travelled as a groom to many national show jumping competitions-Good way to see the State of Georgia!!. Keen to get as much out of my relatively short stay in the States, I got myself transferred to a barn in Millbrook, New York, which was run by an Irish couple, who were keen show jumpers and qualified instructors. They run the BHS approved establishment and competition centre Millbrook Equestrian Centre. I received daily tuition in jumping and dressage, and was given the opportunity to ride clients horses from time to time, compete myself and sometimes some difficult ones too. It was here I gained my BHS exams in horse management and riding.

Upon returning to the UK, I purchased another Irish Sport Horse a 16.hh 4 year old grey gelding, out of Robertstowns Boy, a rather cheeky, bold, confident character, who I had a lot of fun from schooling, jump cross training, dressage and whom I had regular lessons with-he’s a star!!

My recent purchase is a 16.1HH grey Irish 4 year old gelding, another lovely willing character. He has jumped at 1.05, and been hunting in Leicestershire, jumping hedges, gates and been placed in his first unaffiliated dressage competition.

I have years of Equine experience and knowledge, coupled with office experience. I hope my passion for everything and anything to do with horses, whether riding and the welfare of them, combined with office experience brings together a unique site to suit all horse and rider.