I WAS born in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex to non-horsey parents, but have always had a passion for horses. I used to go out on my bike for hours, riding around and counting how many ponies I could see. I was desperate to start riding so when I turned 12, I started helping out at Four Elms Riding School in Asheldham, just outside Southminster. I became friends with the owner’s daughter and we used to ride and go to shows together.
Health and safety didn’t exist in those