Henry the Hunter started me off riding.

I learnt to ride on Henry when I was at boarding school in Bristol in 1988. I had a bit of spare time during my final A-Level year and persuaded the headmaster to fund some riding lessons, he agreed and the rest is history.

Henry, a grey Cob gelding with a hogged mane, was a nice riding school horse who looked after his novice riders. Henry was the first horse I ever rode.

Soon after teaching me how to stay on a horse and a brief introduction to jumping, Henry thought it would be much more fun to jump cross-country fences out-doors.

I must also mention Hercy at this point. Although I learnt to jump on Henry Hercy was the first horse I ever jumped ... I even did my first clear round on him !!!

When he was not giving lessons Henry was a hunter and enjoyed many hours galloping on the Bristol Downs. I never got to try Henry out in the field but he gave me my first riding and jumping lessons. Both Henry and Hercy will always have a special place in my heart.