Book a Competition Photo Shoot with MDR Photo

What or who inspires you within the equestrian world?  Past and present

Past: not sure really! All the top riders I grew up watching are still going! William Fox-Pitt, Mary King, the Whitaker’s etc! 

Present: Claire Lomas. When Claire had her accident I didn’t have a clue who she was as I had been away from eventing for a few years and didn’t hear about her until 2012 when she started walking the marathon in her robotic suit. I felt the need to join the walk and help, which I did taking photos and video, which I then gifted to Claire so she could use them. Following this I joined Claire on her bike ride for a week, we became friends and what she’s taught me is to never give up and with determination you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Do you have a favourite equestrian possession?

I have two! My jumping whip… I got it at the Pony Club Championships in 2002 and it’s still going strong 13 years later! And my GoPro headcam, as it allows me to view my XC rounds and share with family and friends. Unfortunately they have been banned due to possible safety concerns but I’m hopeful the ban will be lifted in due course.

Which country in your opinion does equestrian best? And why?

We do, right here in Great Britain, of course! But to be honest I’ve never really experienced equestrianism outside of our little island so I’m a bit biased. That said, from the outside, Germany always seem to be successful in whatever they turn their hands too, particularly the eventing team at the moment. However what makes them so good I’m not sure, maybe it’s the British trainer in Chris Bartle?! I think we need him back with us now!

Do you have an equestrian hero?

Hero, I’m not sure that’s the right phrase. Do riders do anything heroic? I think that is a term which is overused in sport! However eventers that I have a lot of respect for include WFP, Paul Tapner and Francis Whittington. I’ve met all of them a few times and they are nice guys who always have time to say hello – the best thing about eventers is how friendly they are. I was really pleased for Francis when he won at Blenheim and I hope he goes on and wins at 4* now. 

What is the quality that you most like in a horse?

Hmm, I’m sure an expert rider would say something about a horse being forward, straight or having good movement, but I’m not what I class as an expert!!  Therefore, for me it’s calmness.  I can’t be doing with a horse that is constantly wired! As long as the horse is able to get excited when it needs too that is a good quality for me. Oh and a brave jumper!

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing?

When I’m not out with the camera I’m stuck behind a desk working on a computer doing my 9-5 day job, unfortunately it’s not always very interesting playing around with performance figures in Excel! What I’d like to be doing is something outdoorsy, most likely with Otto my German Shorthaired Pointer.  I’d also love to have a full time job in social media as I enjoy connecting with people in this way and have made a lot of new friends and contacts thanks to Twitter.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given?  

Enjoy it, because if you don’t enjoy it then what’s the point in doing it.

Tell us something about yourself that only you know?

 Well a few people will know this but several years back I was an extra in Midsomer Murders and Bridget Jones 2 (although the scenes only made it to the DVD extras).  Our local hunt was asked to supply extras for hunting scenes.  Turns out being on tv / film sets is quite boring…

What would be your message to the equestrian world?

Please don’t steal photos from the internet! Whether they are watermarked or not, copyright belongs to the photographer and images should only be used if permission has been granted.

Do you have a secret superstition before an event? 

If I told you that it wouldn’t be a secret…