Biography
I have ridden from an early age. At 16 I realised an ambition to join the Household Cavalry (The Life Guards). After years of hard work and dedication I was commissioned from the ranks to hold the highly prestigious and respected post of Riding Master for the Household Cavalry. In 2002 I realised another lifelong ambition to ride around Badminton. I finished clear, inside the top 20 and was the first serving officer of the British Army to compete at Badminton for 23 years. I was fortunate to compete a further three times there.
I have had a busy and varied schedule. As the Riding Master for the Household Cavalry, an all encompassing and varied role, my duties ranged from the ceremonial such as the State Opening of Parliament, to choreographing and running the world famous Household Cavalry Musical Ride, performing all over the world from the Horse of the Year Show to the frozen lake at St.Moritz.
I am also a busy event rider, a British Eventing accredited trainer and Chef d’Equipe for the British Two Star European Eventing Team which won team and individual bronze medals at the European Championships in Hungary '09. In addition I hold the BHS award of merit and was recently nominated for Queen’s Award for outstanding contribution to the equine world.
In 2009, I was honoured with a MBE which crosses the final 'T' of my army career. I was over the moon! Since retiring from the army I have embarked on a new career which involves many varied activities within the equine world including consultancy and some media work. It also entails lots of travelling! I am continuing to compete and coach from novice to international level alongside this, and take small groups on safari to various locations around the world. And I have recently been appointed Chef d'Equipe for the British Dressage Team, which on the run up to WEG in Kentucky is incredibly exciting. There is certainly no let-up any time soon!