05/06/2026
I'm struggling to find the words to describe just how incredible it was to watch the UK's first-ever bridleless dressage and show jumping championships at Merrist Wood at the weekend.
The level of harmony, connection and partnership between the horses and their riders was simply breathtaking.
I started riding my amazing horse, Kia, without a bridle around 25 years ago. Back then, I was laughed at, ridiculed, and even told off for how "dangerous" it was. I was told that it "wasn't how horses should be ridden", and the yard manager made it clear that I wasn't to do it again.
Since then, I've largely kept myself to myself in the horsey world. Meanwhile, my incredible, one-in-a-million horse is now 35 years old and enjoying a well-earned retirement.
When I heard about the bridleless championships, I was absolutely over the moon. I knew I had to be there, even if only as a spectator.
It was an emotional day for me because, after all this time, the world of equestrian sports is finally starting to acknowledge and celebrate the possibility of achieving incredible things with a horse through partnership rather than control. Watching horse-and-rider partnerships built on trust, communication and genuine connection take centre stage felt incredibly special.
Thank you, The Heart of Horsemanship, for having the courage and determination to challenge convention, for creating a space where these partnerships can be showcased, and for organising such a wonderful event. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate harmony between horse and rider gave me so much hope for the future.
