Jen

I started riding when I was eight years old and was lucky enough to get my own pony at the age of thirteen.

My parents were non-horsey so I am forever grateful to friends at the yard who took me under their wing and taught me how to properly care for and look after my new best friend.

My first welfare experience I will never forget, Claire (a Here4Horses Trustee) stabled an untrusting, unhandled young stallion cob next to my pony. He instantly caught my eye as I love a challenge, she asked me if I wanted to start him for her and the rest was history.

Eleven years down the line he is still my favourite ride and I’m immensely proud of everything he achieved from winning county level shows and qualifying for national dressage championships to the RDA work he’s done in Claire’s riding school.

Since then, I have helped Claire and Wendy with the starting and education of many Here4Horses ponies. There is nothing more rewarding than gaining the trust of a pony you know hasn’t had the best start in life.

Working with the team, I’ve had my eyes opened to some serious cases of cruelty and neglect and if it wasn’t for the hard work of the charity and its volunteers these ponies would never have the outcome they deserve.

As a Committee Member I look forward to doing everything I can to support the charity in continuing the amazing rehabilitation and educational work currently undertaken to prepare ponies for a new life.