Riders

My name is Jenna Saunders and I have been around horses since my sixth birthday, having asked my Nan for lessons instead of a present and from the first day I was hooked! (more…)

I am Emma Thomas, and together with James Smith we run Esperanza Dressage, a training yard in Northamptonshire.  Our passion for Iberian horses is gained through our parentage as we are both half Spanish. (more…)

I represented England on the ponies UK International team, I have ridden at the NEC at the British Open and at Christmas just gone I rode in Earls Court London at Olympia.  (more…)

Kim and her 8 year old Welinsa compete Nationally and Internationally at C.S.I. shows to 130/140 in height.

Welinsa, known as William, has been owned by Kim since he was 3 years old, he is a bay Dutch Warmblood gelding at 17hh. (more…)

I started riding at the age of thirteen but only started riding competitively four years ago when we moved to Cobham Manor Equestrian Centre. I have owned numerous horses but to enable me to fund my competing and training have brought and sold on numerous horses so I can buy talented youngsters, some I will keep others I will sell to fund and further my career.

I have trained in Holland with Peiter Verbarkel for two months were I learnt a lot, developing a good seat through staying on the youngsters and on how to progress young horses. I have also spent invaluable time with Michel and Mette Assouline.

On returning from Holland I purchased Cobhams Zimba as an unbroken 3 year old. This striking grey stallion by Biotop x Democrat is now 6 but things haven’t always gone to plan. As a 4 year old he had an accident which resulted in a puncture wound to his face and was off for 6 months while it healed. (more…)

I started riding at the age of three when my unhorsey parents thought I might like a riding lesson – I was hooked straight away and went every week come rain or shine!

My first pony, Pepsi, was bought when I was 10. He kept escaping from his field and generally caused chaos around the village. My second pony was Crispin. I wanted him to be a good jumper but he had other ideas! However, we were quite good at gymkhana games and Pony Club activities. I was a member of Quorn Pony Club and as I got older I rode on their eventing team and other riding club teams on a succession of ponies. We weren’t very successful but I remember having fun and learning lots. Throughout these early years my idols were Ginny Leng and Ian Stark and I so wanted to ride and be successful like them.

I started affiliated eventing at the age of 16 and was in the fortunate position where my parents owned some land and had built up a livery business to help pay for my hobby.

My first horse, Tom, a very laid back character, gave me a taste for the bigger and better competitions. He was replaced by Barbarian King (Harry) and I progressed to my first two day novice event. I wasn’t placed by loved every minute of it, even though my dressage was awful!
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