© Spidge Event Photography
- Home
- Features
- News
- Tried & Tested
- Shop
Find out all about this weeks winners, their horses, their plans for the season and inspirations as well as learning what will be in their celebration ‘Chicken Dinner’.
If you have a win this week, we’ll help you shout it from the roof tops so get in touch at events@thegaitpost.com to be featured or tweet us @thegaitpost using the tag #TGPwinnerwinnerchickendinner
All disciplines welcome.
© Spidge Event Photography
© Spidge Event Photography
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
Our main aim with Mickey will be young riders 2018. So this season is about getting experience and becoming established at 2* level. If things are all running to plan we may think about stepping him up to advanced at the end of the season if we are both ready!
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
We are pretty much regulars at Little Downham as it is one of our closer events being about 1hr 30 away. It’s a beautifully run event, with great educational courses which always rides well and gives the horses confidence as well as ensuring they ask enough questions. The ground is always phenomenal despite whatever the weather throws, hence why one our favourites!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I am a former working pupil of Ros Canter, who taught me so much for which I am so grateful! It was amazing learning and having the opportunity to ride and watch top horses being produced from that start. Hopefully this has given me a good foundation with helping me produce my horses too.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
We are very lucky to have a very busy yard at home full of liverys, which keeps us very busy. Sarah who mainly helps look after the livery side of things at home would have to be the unsung hero! Always happy to help or the first person I call when I’m in a muddle. Without her it would be simply impossible to leave the yard to go to events!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How addictive it is! I’m always sad when the season comes to an end and I know I have to wait 5 months before I can do it all over again!
© Lorraine Porter
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
There’s been far too many! It has to be one very odd day at Keysoe though. Richmond had been cancelled shortly after we had made the 6hr journey up there. We managed to get a late entry into Keysoe the following day. Mum was at work so I set off with dad who is maybe a little too laid back like myself (not a great combination!). In my slightly sleep deprived state I went down the centre line to find before I even approached X to hear the judges car horn beep!! I thought I couldn’t have possibly gone wrong already… surely not… turns out I had left my very snazzy white warm up boots on. Safe to say we don’t warm up with boots on anymore!!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Tricky one! There’s too many!! We absolutely loved Houghton this year, it’s so close to home and there’s nothing quite like competing at your local event. Also the course there is very beautiful and a great following track.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Sadly I don’t like chicken!! But you can’t go too far wrong with a gin and tonic, not to mention the unhealthy obsession with pizza!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Anything that keeps us awake on early morning starts! At the moment it has to be Emeli Sandè Highs and Lows.
© Lorraine Porter
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
To give him a bit more experience at this level before moving up to Novice.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I think I’ve been competing at Little Downham since it started as a BE venue and being one of my local events it has been great to see it develop and improve over the years, it is one of my favourites in the calendar.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
That has to be my first horse, Brannigan, an unraced thoroughbred I purchased as a 4yr old. We started eventing together at the lowest level, both as green as each other, he turned out to be a horse of a lifetime and we progressed through all the levels eventually competing at Burghley in 2000. It was because of him I went on to pick up other rides and event full time.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
My friend Charlotte Ford, who sadly passed away in 2006 and her husband Ken, they supported me by purchasing the house and yard where I am currently based. With all its fantastic facilities it allows me to produce and train the horses in such a perfect environment. Without their generosity I am not sure I would still be doing what I do now, so I will be forever grateful to them.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
I wish I had known that what started out as a hobby was going to change my entire life…I wouldn’t change anything though!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
One very windy day at Isleham I remember my number had come loose and as I did my
final trot down the centre line it flew up covering my entire face and I had no idea where X was to do my halt..!! It was probably a lot funnier from the judges view than it was for me!!
Which is your favourite event & why?
It has to be Burghley, it holds so many memories, I used to go as a young girl to spectate, I have fence judged there, I have groomed there, I have been lucky enough to compete there and now I look forward to assisting in the Stable Managers Office each year, it’s great fun!!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Well, it won’t be chicken as I’m a vegetarian!! But I do love their eggs, so an omelette with fresh herbs from my garden and a lovely salad, with elderflower presse or a lovely crisp dry white wine depending on my mood!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
I admit to having a dreadful singing voice so I wouldn’t put my passengers through that trauma, if I’m on the way to a competition I like to play classical music as it keeps me nice and relaxed, must be my age!!!
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
I plan to do some more BE100 events with Chester this season. I’ve been eventing for about 3 and 1/2 years now and I love all-the challenges that come with all three disciplines and the partnership I make with my horses.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to
date?
My biggest influence is my coach Caron Roberts. She has been my trainer for over 9 years now and I definitely wouldn’t have achieved what I have without her.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
My coach Caron Roberts. She puts so much effort into my training and is always looking out for me and my horses. Also Tammy Thornton who works for Caron. She drives the lorry and grooms at my competitions, and always makes every event a pleasure, even when we’re leaving at 4am.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started
eventing?
I live for my eventing, I just regret not starting earlier.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
One time at an event me and my team were changing in the back of the lorry and I tripped over someones’ boots and fell head first through the bathroom door and broke it in front of everyone. They have never let me forget it. Although it was quite embarrassing at the time, looking back it seems pretty funny.
Which is your favourite event & why?
I recently did an event at Mount Ballan. I’d never been there before and was really impressed by their amazing facilities, and their cross country course was great fun. Also Ascott Under Wychwood is becoming one of my favourites. I’ve been there twice and really enjoyed them.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you
wash it down with?
Chicken nuggets and a diet coke.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
At the moment I like to listen to Ashes of the Dawn by Dragonforce, it
always puts me in a good mood.
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
To Qualify for BE90 Grassroots 2018, Area Festival Dressage at Novice and BD Prelim Nationals, and Search for a Star 2017 Showing.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I have been to this event many times over the years. It is one of my favourites. The location is stunning, it’s well organised and very friendly.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My trainer Caroline Hawkins, she keeps me on track and knows how to push me.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
My dad and step mum. They support me and come to every event and I couldn’t do it without their support.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
The highs and lows. Being a competitive person, I always want to do well and as we all know with horses it doesn’t always go to plan.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
When I would have been placed 2nd at Broadway and jumped the wrong side of a flag XC and got eliminated – I learnt from that mistake. Also talking about problems with ditches and then ending up in the ditch!!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Broadway and Ascott under Wychwood.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
A good roast with an elderflower and lime cider.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Bit of 80s cheese!
Tell us about your win..
It was a totally unexpected win, and I was absolutely thrilled. My horse September Song has been “knocking on the door” for some time so I’m thrilled he finally had a win to his name. We were at Brand Hall in the BE Novice class.. he performed a lovely dressage to score 29.3 and jumped a super double clear around a very testing track (both show jumping and cross country). Speed isn’t normally this horses forte but he was on form and covered the ground well this weekend adding 0.8 to his score finishing on 30.1 which was luckily the winning score.
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
Having ran consistently at Novice this season my aim is to complete some CIC*’s with the view to moving up to intermediate towards the end of the season
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I have competed at Brand Hall for many seasons, starting out at the BE 90 and moved up to complete both the CIC* and the Novice. Brand Hall is a fabulous event, run by the Plant family, who do the most fabulous job of getting everything sorted. I return year in year out because the courses are always testing but fair, the ground is good and the atmosphere is lovely.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My long term trainer Jeanette Brakewell and recent dressage trainer Ruth Edge. I would love to follow in their footsteps
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
It has to be my ever supportive parents (Jane and Ian Rockingham) without them I would not be where I am now and would not be able to do what I do. They’re always there for me, mum spends most her weekends driving me around, meanwhile dad holds the fort at home. They are truly fantastic and I’m forever grateful for everything they do.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
I don’t think there’s anything I wasn’t aware of before I started eventing other than how “addictive” it is. Once you get the eventing “bug” there’s no going back.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
I have had loads of funny times, too many to list but usually there is a broken down lorry involved!
Which is your favourite event & why?
It’s difficult to call my favourite event. It has to be between Barbury and Chatsworth. Chatsworth is my local International event, I’ve been going there for years since I was a child and it’s always been my ambition to ride there. So having completed 4 Chatsworth’s is very special and the big feel atmosphere is amazing.
Similarly Barbury has a big feel to it too and I was lucky enough to finish second in the ROR Championships behind Sir Mark Todd, so it certainly has a special place in my heart as that horse has now retired and it was an incredible day and an overwhelming experience. But to top it off the beautiful surrounding of panoramic poppy fields and views as far as the eye can see would have to put Barbury in contention too. So between them it’s very difficult to call which is my favourite.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Would have to be a roast chicken dinner (my mums are amazing!) and an ice cold gin to wash it down.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
It would have to be Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl. Or mum and I like to have the Les Miserable CD on which we both sing along to (or try to anyhow!!)
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
My aims for Ms Independant this season are hopefully Barbary CIC** and then hopefully Blair CCI**.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
We visit Brand Hall every year with horses at various levels. It’s a local event for us and our horses have always gone well there. Richard Long and I have been 2nd twice in the 1* at Brand Hall so to finally win it for the team was great. We will definitely be back as the courses are up to height but very fair and educational and the ground is always good. Also the organisation of the event is fantastic.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My biggest influence so far in my eventing career is Richard Long. I have worked for him right from the beginning and he has been there through all the ups and downs throughout my career so far. And obviously recently given me the ride on his amazing horse (Ms Independant).
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
The support team we have is amazing and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all! If I have to choose, I would have to pick three people! Ann long (Richards mum) and Ness Mayor. They do not miss a single competition! Ann is usually wiping horse slobber stains off my jacket before I get on and Ness is scrubbing stable stains. Ness also does all the admin for the yard. Both between them they work 7 days a week voluntarily mucking out too! I have to mention and thank Mel Parks too. She is our longest standing, loyal groom that we are so lucky to have and are rare to find!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
That a large bank balance would be a bonus. But once you’re hooked it’s totally irrelevant.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
I was riding Cashman B in the Novice at Bradwall. He spooked into the water and I fell off pulling the bridle off with me. He ran riot around the event before jumping a 5 bar gate out of the event and was finally caught 2 miles up the the road in a rugby club car park! I was so worried but luckily he was absolutely fine. We had to take the embarrassing ride back to the event in the horse ambulance.
Which is your favourite event & why?
My favourite event has be Barbury. It’s always one event we aim to get to every year. The xc can be viewed from anywhere and the hospitality is amazing!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
My favourite meal has to be a huge steak and with home made chips with a very large vodka and coke!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Absolutely anything on the cheesy hits section on my Spotify!!
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
We would love to qualify for Badminton Grassroots!
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
This was our first time at this event & we will definately be back.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My parents & grandad
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Sue Thompson for letting me ride her amazing horse
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How addictive it is!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Once I forgot my competition shirt & had to try & hide my XC colours under my show jacket for dressage & SJ
Which is your favourite event & why?
Belsay! It is were I had my first win, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Roast chicken with all the trimmings washed down with a glass of pimms!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Most songs are favourites but a top favourite at the minute would be Malibu by Miley
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Part 12 
18 Equestrian Instagram Accounts You Need in Your Feed 
Sharon: On the Hunt for success 
Record crowds enjoy thrilling action at Tattersalls International 
We’re hiring 
A Day in the Life of Harvey Burton 
© 2026 The Gaitpost is published by Sarah Heseltine. All rights reserved.
