This is a story of how my fondness for horses began as a child learning to ride with my cousins, aunties, uncles, siblings, on a family farm growing up in New Zealand. We all particularly enjoyed the sport.
My Mum rode horses in her younger years, and my Dad has admitted to having a few lessons himself! He has always loved horses and dogs. It was only natural I was shown the reins as a 7 year old, not realising this was to become something I had a great desire to do more often.
Further riding days with my cousins on their ponies at the farm, I then headed back home to the city (Auckland) and found myself daydreaming at school, doodling horse pictures with my pencil all over my school books, asking Mum and Dad for horse themed wall paper in my bedroom (which I got) ridiculous as it was – I was rather obsessed.
So, then came the first pony, Sooty. A perfect little dark bay Gelding, to this day I still remember how he looked after me – we had the best times. He never put a hoof out of line. Loaned from a school friend - a Dutch family who the sisters all rode, and were all tall and fabulous at it!
Sooty and I did pony club together, won ribbons, and had a go at cross country – scary moment, only once! I preferred the thought of perfect presentation – grooming every last hair into place (we won a first for this) and maybe, just maybe, one day I would ride gracefully on a beautiful dressage horse, dancing together around an arena.
I rode into my early teens, and as you all know horse riding is a very expensive hobby, so sadly the riding dwindled away as my focus was on school, friends, and ballet. I got back on a horse in my 30’s, and haven’t looked back since. In 2020 a work colleague offered me a ride on her 15 year old Appaloosa Gelding. His name was Apple. A year when the world was experiencing shall we say ‘challenging times’ I was looking for a way to escape. This safe, and adorable spotted boy was just the ticket! Spending hours grooming him, feeding, and doing stable chores, then riding him through the woods, and around the arena, I was hooked! He was the perfect horse to re-build my knowledge and riding skills again. I look back now, and it was Apple who really helped me step back into the horse world. I was really fond of this lovely animal.
Fast forward to 2023, a couple of my own loan horses later, plenty of riding lessons to perfect my style, I am enjoying this sport more than ever. I have been training towards intro, and prelim dressage - yet to happen, and have popped a few jumps on my current loan horse - Toby.
I have a love for animals, especially horses. Its my way of escaping for a few hours and immersing myself in nature to re-set and refresh my mind.
Brands I love: Ariat riding leggings and boots, Aztec Diamond riding leggings and tops, Pikeur base layers with crystal logos, Eskadron saddle pads and accessories, Le Mieux horse rugs and head collars, Le Mieux brushes, Equestrian Stockholm saddle pads, Kingsland, and lots more! Look out for my blog posts and Instagram videos where I show you exactly what I'm using on my horse.
Some of my favourites: Fendi accessories - belts, purses, casual wear, Mulberry bags and belts, Chanel bags, shoes, reading and sunglasses, Ralph Lauren dresses, belts and casual wear, Karen Millen basics, Self-Portrait dresses, Balenciaga shoes and bags, Gucci belts, Prada bags and sunglasses, Dior sunglasses, and much more! I tend to shop now for quality wardrobe investment pieces. Gone are the days of buying disposable fashion - I don't feel its doing the planet any good. I love a bargain and try not to pay full price - unless its a really special purchase (Chanel shoes DON'T go on sale!) I tend to shop on www.theoutnet.com and I have been known to find some designer buys in the TKMaxx gold section online. For wardrobe basics like t-shirts, leggings, jumpers I buy from Karen Millen - fortunately with my fabulous discount its really worth it! There was a time when I was in my 20's I had about 60 pairs of shoes - I'm NOT that girl anymore. I have a very simple, reduced wardrobe now. I get loads of wear - year after year with the items I now own, and its great. Buying quality classic pieces save you money in the long run. I know what I like now, and my style rarely changes.
Places I have travelled & loved: New York, Sydney, Milan, Cypress, New Zealand - my homeland, Tuscany, Spain, Paris.. and so many other places - sometimes I forget where I have been! Look out for my travel stories on my Instagram when I head away for another trip. I love exploring new places - but hate the travelling part getting there! I don't have much patience for sitting in airports and on planes - who does. The best bit is arriving!
If you ride, own, or loan a horse, I hope to share my thoughts with you about products I use, comfortable and good quality riding wear, how to get started – where to go for lessons, what to wear, and much more.