Richard events successfully up to 4* level, and is an accredited UKCC level 2 Coach, operating from his base in Leicestershire. Where he keeps 12 horses in training for eventing, breaking and bringing on to compete himself as well as selling some along the way.  His wife has five dressage horses at the same yard which has excellent facilities including dressage and jumping arenas, all-weather gallops, cross country course and a large indoor barn housing the stables.

Richard’s wife Victoria currently competes very successfully in dressage at Small Tour level both Nationally and Internationally, and is also a highly skilled dressage coach at all levels.

Richard started riding at the age of eight years old, competing in showjumping and eventing for the Pony Club both Burghley and the Cottesmore. After leaving school Richard went and trained with Dane Rawlins in East Sussex to get a better foundation in dressage, where he met his wife Victoria. Richard then moved back to Leicestershire to set up his eventing yard at the age of 20.

Richard’s best horse to date was Highland Ford, whom he retired In 2016. Highland Ford was owned by David and Jane Miles and had numerous top 10 placings in 1,2,3 and 4* throughout his career with Richard, including 5^th at Blenheim in the CCI3* in 2013 and 9^th at Pau 4* in 2012.

2017 has been a turbulent year for Richard after a freak accident in the lorry park at Bramham Horse Trials in June meant that he lost a finger after trapping his wedding ring during a fall in the lorry.  At the time he was lying 10^th after a cross country round that was described as one of the best rounds of the day in the CCI3* and had his sights firmly set on a top ten finish.  After a few days in hospital, Richard returned home and focused on trying to get the same horse, Alfies Clover who Richard co-owns with Sandra Martin and Dinah Saunders, to Burghley, just 11 weeks later.

The loss of his finger affected Richard’s riding at Burghley hugely, leaving him with very little grip and in constant pain, despite this he managed a very credible 22^nd place, with which he was delighted considering the build-up they had had. 

Richard is regaining much of his grip and has been able to adapt his riding style to accommodate his lost finger he is also not riding quite as many horse each day in order to give his hand a rest.  Richard is very excited about Alfie’s future saying he is an extremely talented horse quite capable of winning at four-star level and is really looking forward to 2018.