Sophie updates us on what 2018 has in store.

2018 looks to be an interesting and challenging year. With the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon, USA as the aim for the top horses, there are also a lot of smaller goals for the younger horses! We have a few internationals to be aiming for during the selection period, and I’m still on the look out for a young horse to join my team, and of course any owners that want to join the team, they would be very welcome!

I’ve also been selected onto the BEF Youth Pathway Coaching Programme. This is a programme to help develop coaches to work with youth athletes and understand stages of their development, as well as looking at your own development as a coach. The group of coaches from dressage, eventing and show jumping seem really lovely after our first two sessions. We have been assigned a mentor from outside equestrian to help us on our journey and have already experienced some great speakers within the course.

Lots of clients had success at the Regionals able-bodied, with some qualifying for the Winters, as well as some going to the Petplan finals at Hartpury! My para riders have had a good start to the year at the Winter championships at Myerscough and are set to have a busy year of competition.

I love working with riders to achieve their dreams. The process and journey is a massive part of that and is very fulfilling, whatever level they are at.