Organic Horse Start Squad member: Sophie Abdy

Sophie Abdy events Millennium Magic (aka Richie) a 16.2hh bay gelding, 12 years old, Registered Irish Sports horse who has previously competed up to 2* level and is now currently competing at ON/JRN. Sophie first qualified for the Pony Club Eventing Championships in 2007 on another horse. In 2008 she got Richie and competed at Open Pre Novice where they came 3rd at Tweseldown. They also qualified for and competed at the Pony Club Tetrathlon Championships with the team finished 5th place overall. In 2009 the combination have competed at Novice level, coming 5th individually at a Pony Club Open event as well as qualifying for the Pony Club Open dressage championships. Sophie is now aiming to compete at some more Open Novice affiliated events next year and hopefully a few JRNs. She would also like to continue gaining experience and moving up through the levels.

Why horses? "Riding is a sport that I have really enjoyed since a young age, being lucky enough to have my first pony aged 5. Hunting particularly inspired me and I spent most of my weekends coming home freezing cold and covered in mud but thoroughly exhilarated. I love being able to do something different in my free time that challenges me both physically and mentally, and its great to work with animals that are smart and responsive."

Biggest horsey bug bear? "Cleaning tack after a freezing days hunting when your fingers are too numb to feel the leather. However as I'm always reminded it is a lot easier before the mud has dried!"

Worst horsey habit? "Not smiling enough when I'm riding and looking down too much - its because I'm concentrating so hard."

If not horses what? "It would be very hard to find something equally as exhilarating and rewarding, when you have had a good days hunting, or an awesome cross country round the adrenaline rush is amazing. However I would love to try competitive sailing."

What could you not live without? "My two most treasured possesions are Richie and my lurcher Woody. However I don't think I could live without my friends."

Organic Horse Start Squad member: Heather Broad

Heather Broad competes Limes Play It Again (Pia) a 19 year old, 15.3hh TB x ID Grade A Show jumper. Pia is a good allrounder but the pair mainly stick to show jumping. Having had a total loss of confidence, Heather is now back on track and happy going in to the ring again. The combination have had several placings so far this year at various shows and are aiming to enjoy the winter season and win some classes.

Why horses? "I don't actually know thinking about - I suppose it is just a way of life - I wouldn't know what else to do!"
Biggest horsey bug bear? "Dirty Tack"
Worst horsey habit? "I pack far too much to go away to shows - it doesn't leave much foom for everyone else - I don't travel light!"
If not horses what? "Shopping!"
What could you not live without? "Gosh there are som many things! My farrier - he makes sure Pia has the shows and pads she needs, and it has been brilliant to have someone take so much care over her feet. Also my friend Kayleigh's Mum Ingrid - she mucks out for me in the week and it is so nice of her. And my Dad - he keeps the lorry running for us so we can go to shows."

Organic Horse Start Squad member: Kayleigh Grant

Kayleigh Grant show jumps Texan VI, a 9 year old, 16.3hh, Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) up to Discovery level and is aiming to step up to Newcomers and compete at Hickstead next year - whilst also trying her hand at dressage and cross country. Long term she wants to get to HOYS!

Why horses? "Mum has had them since she was little, i think it was in my blood when i was born!"

Biggest horsey bug bear? "Poo picking in the rain! I can't stand hair not being tied up in a ponytale or a bun underneath the hat! Can make a rider look so messy!! Plus it's unsafe."

Worst horsey habit? "Not cleaning my tack enough!"

If not horses what? "I have no idea...?! I think i would be driving around in beautiful sports car though if i didnt have him!"

What could you not live without? "My mum! She turns out and mucks out Monday to Friday for Heather and myself, so we dont have to before work! Love her! Also Hheathers dad, as he is super at kepping the lorry in tip top running order for us!"

Organic Horse Potential Squad member: Emily Gresty

Emily Gresty events Uroco (Bob) who is an 8 year old, 16hh, dutch warmblood by Niarobi and out of Nouvelle. He is at BE Intermediatelevel/CCI**, BD elementry/medium, BSJA senior foxhunter and 1.25m open and Emily has brought him on from a just broken 5 year old.

So far Emily has qualifed for the Intermediate championships, was selected and competed on the Junior squad for Jardy (France), has achieved many placings at Intermediate, completed Longleat CIC**, won first novice (both rider and horse) and been selected for junior winter training list. She is aiming to compete at BD medium by the end of the winter and get selected for the junior european team next season. Long term she wants to compete at 3 star level and be listed for the young rider squads.

Why horses? "Because they are unpredictable and exciting."
Biggest horsey bug bear? "Twisted reins and stirup leathers."
Worst horsey habit? "Crawling in between my horses legs."
If not horses what? "Swimming or water polo and of course the odd party."
What could you not live without? "Tesco value funiture polish! - 49p a bottle and better than the expensive canter coat shine or detangulars!!!"

Organic Horse Potential Squad member: Claire Boumphrey

Claire Boumphrey events and rides several horses competing at various levels.

Swynnerton - Aged 13, Advanced event horse, completed Blenheim CCI*** with a double clear, finishing in 27th and winning the prize for the most improved after dressage.

Dispol Truly - Aged 5, Intro event horse, completed her first two events, showing that she's a real star prospect for the future.

Expert Witness - 9yr old, Pre Novice event horse, a real school-master at this level.

Claire has already stacked up some fantastic results including 27th Blenheim CCI*** with a double clear, Double clear at Barbury CIC***, 1st West Buckland, 2nd West Wilts as well as qualifying for 4* for 2010. Claire is aiming for Badminton 2010 however the big aim is to find some owners/set up a yard.

Why horses? "Good question, as they are a silly job/interest to have, they take up all yout time, effort, money and life style, but i wouldn't have it any other way!!!"

Biggest horsey bug bear? "The cost of running an event horse, coupled with the fact that it's so hard to make a living out of riding horses full time."

Worst horsey habit? "Looking down over my fences, must look up/where i'm going."

If not horses what? "I have my snowboard instructors qualification, so i guess that."

What could you not live without? "Horses!! (and my car, i do alot of driving round to other peoples yards to ride)"

Organic Horse Start Squad member: Jemma Harrison

Jemma Harrison show jumps her own Picaso XII (Piquet) a 10 year old, 16.1hh Czech Warmblood. They have competed at Newcomers/Foxhunter level and have only been a parnership for 8 weeks. They are aiming to jump Foxhunter classes and hopefully go training to improve her experience and riding to compete at a higher level.

Why horses? "They give you are rush of adrenaline and excitement when jumping as they are never predictable and can surprise you with their many quirks, but the bond you gain with them is something special and worthwhile."

Biggest horsey bug bear? "The cold winters! Walking to the fields in the dark when its pouring with rain."

Worst horsey habit? "Looking down when I jump."

If not horses what? "I have been around horses for so long now that a life without them seems completely impossible and I would have no idea what to do!"

What could you not live without? "My dad, he has always been there to help me with my horses, from driving the horsebox to every show to holding my horse whilst I walked the courses. Without his help I wouldn't be able to compete at the level I do today."

Organic Horse Start Squad member: Craig Barr

Craig Barr events his own Kilkee, a 17.2hh, bay, 8yo, ISH gelding with 49 points. He was bought at the end of the 2009 season, at intermediate/2 star level, with placings in intermediate classes and 1* events. He was also 4th in the Novice Championships in 2008. Craig also evented Luky, a Pre-Novice horse owned by Rachel Simpson in 2008 and hopes to have the ride back for the 2010 season.

Achievements so far"I suppose my best results have come at the end of the 2009 season so far with a horse called Pokeys Pride, the best coming a Gatcombe and Kelsall Novices finishing 3rd and 2nd respectively."

Aims for the future "My aim for 2010 is to be going well at intermediate and 2 star level, hopefully with a trip to the intermediate champs. All going very well Bramham U25 champs in 2011. In the long term i would like to establish myself as a top 4 star/ Olympic rider.

Why horses? "I have ridden horses from a very early age as my mum is an instructor so i have been brought up with them and couldn't imagen myself doing anything else."

Biggest horsey bug bear? "Lame horses. Over my career I have been haunted by lameness, with horses going lame before any of my major competitions or team trails. So fingers crossed for the next few years!!!!!!"

Worst horsey habit? "Non that I can think of but the girls I work with would probably have different ideas."

If not horses what? "I was never very academic, so not a brain surgeon. My dad works offshore as a professional diver so I would have probably followed in his footsteps."

What could you not live without? "My friends, I have a lot of friends in this sport and they are always ther to lend a hand, oh, and my i-pod!"