Phoebe Buckley

I started riding aged 12, which is quite late compared to most event riders, at a local riding school. Even though my parents come from a travelling background, they are not horsey at all - my first pony cost Ł250 and, like most kids, I spent more time on the floor than on the pony!

I left school aged 13 and went to work for the event rider Tanya Kyle (nee Liddle), where I also helped break the racehorse yearlings for Toni Liddle. I then became involved with the Cambridgeshire Hunt Pony Club, where the chief instructor and regional JRN coordinator, Valerie Gingell, took me under her wing. She originally asked me to help out with a sharp young horse and has gone on to be one of my long standing owners, giving me the ride on The Busker who took me to win a gold medal at the Young Riders Championships, as well as U25 Champion at Bramham CCI***.

I have also worked in racing, riding both on the flat and over hurdles, but I now work full time in eventing and hope to have a long and successful career as a professional event rider.