Hi everyone, I’m Alex, and I’m very proud to have been selected to join the Hardy Etc team!

I am a 21yo professional event rider, based in the beautiful Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. I took the plunge of setting up by myself this June, having spent 4 years working for multiple top level riders to gain experience. I currently manage 3 stables at the local livery yard I base from, as well as offering freelance riding across local counties, with the eventual aim of expanding my business to continue as a professional eventer.

So far, I have competed successfully up to international CIC** level on my top horse, Alfie, who I’ve produced myself. I was aiming to move further up the levels and compete at Blenheim CIC***8/9yo championships this season; however he sustained an unfortunate tendon injury at home earlier in the year, and so has missed this season, which has been very frustrating for both of us.

Following his injury & my subsequent move to a new base, I picked up 3 new rides for various owners, and bought an exciting new youngster, Billy. Billy was only backed over the summer, so he’s had a quiet time at home over the past few weeks, learning a little bit more about life (and the joys of dressage!), while the other 3 have all been out eventing, all managing to get placed! 6yo Gerry just did one unaffiliated 90 ODE and was very classy in each phase to finish 8th in what was his first ever event; Hugo picked up his eventing boots again after a few years away and was double clear & 3^rd at both of his runs with me & Rock Solid competed at BE100 & Novice level, keeping my eye in around several decent courses!

Next season will be rather busy, as I juggle competing all of the horses! Here is what levels they will hopefully be working towards in 2019:

• Alfie (Ebart Nita) – 2* & Advanced
• Rock Solid (Rock Solid II) – 1*
• Hugo (Hocus Pocus IV) – Novice & 1*
• Gerry (Carrick Diamond Bard) – Novice & 1*
• Billy (Rathnageera Aussie) – BE 5yo classes
  

Before the excitement of the event season begins in March though, we have a whole winter to battle through, so I will soon be out competing in dressage and show jumping competitions in what are bound to be freezing conditions! As a couple of the horses are still living it up on holiday there’s no rest for me as I have lots of freelance clients, and so have been racking up hundreds of miles in my trusty Golf… So far it hasn’t been too wet or cold, but I’m not sure how much longer that will last - at least I’ll have my new Hardy Etc gear to make it more bearable this year!

Be sure to watch this space, as I will be regularly updating with progress & training blogs throughout the winter and next season.

Until next time; Alex.