Profile

When I left school I went to work for John-Paul Sheffield who was based with Kenneth Clawson at the time. I took with me Fine Art my first horse who I had brought on from a novice and with whom I had just competed at the Junior Euro Champs in Sweden where we finished 21st (on our dressage score) after having come 8th at the Junior National Champs at Windsor. We struggled with the dressage phase but after a lot of help from J-P that improved tremendously.

After about a year working there I left to set up my own yard in Wiltshire but before leaving Kenneth helped me find Fair Impression as Fine Art (above) was beginning to develop soundness problems.

The following year I finished 5th in the Young rider National Champs at Bramham and was short listed for the European team with Fair Impression but unfortunately he went lame just before the final trial. The following year he was back fit and sound and finished 6th at Bramham despite a hiccup at the 3rd last and this year made it to the Euro Champs in Belgium. Being such a good XC combination we set off as trail blazers for the team and he didn’t disappoint finishing 17th at the end of the 3 days. Unfortunately the team didn’t manage to complete after being in the silver medal position owing to two of the horses being unsound on the Sunday morning.

After a good finish at Punchestown in the 3 star the following year, we then both tackled our first Badminton Horse Trials in 2000. I was the second youngest competitor (Tristram Owers being 2 months younger) and we flew round inside the time on the XC to finished in 12th position and pick up my first, and hopefully not the last, bronze horse (presented to the top 12). I also received The Worshipful Company of Saddlers' saddle for the best U25 and the Silver Salver trophy for the best owner/rider. It was an amazing experience and one I hope to improve on in the not too distant future.

That same year I came 2nd in the 2 star International at Burgie on Opposition Summertime just narrowly missing out on winning with 2 time faults in the show jumping. He then went on to be 7th in the 3 star International at Blair and was entered for Badminton in 2006 but unfortunately had to be withdrawn.


Louisa receiving the Silver Jubliee Plate from Donar Pilar de Bourdon, FEI President for the Best Owner/Rider, Badminton 2000	Louisa receiving the Worshipful Company of Saddlers' Saddle from HRH The Princess Royal for the Best U25 Rider at Gatcombe Park British Open Championship 1999

I managed to go one better at Hartpury International with Tiger Shark in 2004 to win the 2 star, my first and hopefully not my last 3-Day win. I have now built up an exciting team of young horses, with very loyal owners, for whom I have high hopes for the future particularly 10 year old Desert Island, who I found as a youngster, having been show jumping, and who I have brought on myself to be aimed for Badminton Horse Trials in 2009. There is still room for a couple more talented prospects of any level, and I would love to hear from anyone who might be interested in considering me eventing their horse(s).

I could not do all this without my loyal owners and fantastic grooms Amy and Laura who do all the hard work at home. I also get invaluable help from Maggie Doel who has helped me with my dressage since my junior days and is more than just a trainer always being on hand with any helpful advice when needed. I also have help from Pammy Hutton (Dressage) and Peter Murphy (Jumping through BE training).

"Although the horses do keep me pretty busy I do also try to find time to do other activities as well. I enjoy running and am hoping to do the London Marathon next year. Last year I climbed Kilimanjaro which was quite a challenge but was possibly one of the best experiences I have had to date. I feel it is healthy to also have interests outside of eventing."