Gemma is a British Olympic event rider and one of the world’s most recognised horsewomen. Starting riding at the age of 18 months old Gemma has never looked back. She has been part of the British World Class Programme since she was 16 years old winning numerous international championships and awards over the last 20 years. We are extremely proud to work alongside Gemma and recently caught up with her to learn a little more about her journey to the top of the sport and what she has planned for the future! Take a read..
What is your earliest riding memory?
I think my earliest memory is doing some in hand showing with our little welsh section A pony called Harlequin, he was beyond cute and very cheeky! It was good to learn ring craft right from day one!
What is your proudest moment in your career?
Winning team gold at the world equestrian games at Tryon on my precious boy Arctic Soul.
What is your standout moment?
Coming 3rd at Badminton in 2016 again on Arctic Soul, it was such a journey with him and it was definitely a very special moment.
What advice would you give someone starting out in your discipline and wanting to become a professional rider?
To always work hard and to remember there is always another day.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Competitive, Passionate, Slightly mad!
Which horse are you most excited about for the future?
This one is hard to say as we have some very very exciting young horses coming through, but Chilli King has just stepped up to 3 star and he is full brother to my 5 star winner Chilli Knight so I’m very excited about him.
Tell us about your current top horse(s)
Jalapeño 15yo mare, she was 6th at Badminton this year and she’s had some super results over the last couple of years. We hope to take her back to Badminton next year.
Flash Cooley, 11yo gelding, 5th Blenheim last year and second Millstreet 4 star long this year and long listed for the European Championships, we hope to compete him in a 5 star this autumn.
Chilli Knight, 13yo gelding, won 5 star at Bicton in 2021, has been off through injury but will hopefully come back and compete at Badminton next year.
Who is your idol?
Pippa Funnell has always been a huge idol to me.
If you didn’t ride for a career, what would you like to/think you would have done?
Hard to say as I’m absolutely useless at anything else, but definitely something in sport.
What are your goals for the next few years?
My dream is to win Badminton and Burghley and to get myself back on the British team, but also to work on my showjumping and build up competing at top level.
What is your favourite thing about Green Mile Bedding?
The fact that it’s so dust free and completely biodegradable.
What is most important to you when choosing a bedding for your horses?
Definitely dust free, for me this is so important for my horses. Also I love them to have a comfy bed which with Green Mile they get, they love to lie down and have a good snooze which again is so important to me.
Want to read more about Gemma? Head to her website!
