ABOUT
RICHARD
Richard events successfully up to 5* level, and is an accredited UKCC level 2 Coach.
Richard started riding at the age of eight years old, competing in showjumping and eventing for the Pony Club both Burghley and the Cottesmore. After leaving school Richard went and trained with Dane Rawlins in East Sussex to get a better foundation in dressage, where he met his wife Victoria. Richard then moved back to Rutland to set up his eventing yard at the age of 20.
Having competed prolifically at all levels, Richard’s most successful horse of recent years was the super talented Highland Ford. Owned by David and Jane Miles, he retired in 2016 after having achieved numerous top 10 placings in 1,2,3 and 4* throughout his career with Richard, including 5th at Blenheim in the CCI3* in 2013 and 9th at Pau 4* in 2012. They were also selected as reserves for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, 2014.
Richard's two current top rides, Alfies Clover and Kilballyboy Bob are both exceptional athletes by the thoroughbred sire Tajraasi, that he has produced carefully and successfully through the ranks. In 2018, Alfies Clover was placed 7th at both Bramham CCI3* and Burghley CCI4*, and 4th at Bramham in 2019, while Kilballyboy Bob was placed 4th in his CCI3* debut at Blenheim in 2018. Richard was selected onto the World Class Podium Potential Squad in 2019, and is very much looking forward to the forthcoming seasons with these horses whom he both believes are capable of winning at what is now five star level.
ABOUT
VICTORIA
Victoria Jones has competed very successfully at Dressage at Small Tour level both nationally and internationally, and has trained and ridden horses to Grand Prix level. She is also a highly skilled Dressage coach at all levels, training an array of dressage and event riders.
Victoria started riding at the age of seven after her parents found her and her sister trying to teach themselves to ride on some horses in a neighbouring field. She became a member of the Eridge Pony Club and was very competitive in all disciplines until specialising in Dressage at the age of 16. She went on to ride for Great Britain on several occasions as a Junior and Young Rider, including competing at the European Championships.
After a break from the competition arena, Victoria made a fantastic return with her two horses, Tijs (H) and Wiepke II, both by the prolific sire Jazz. She won National Premier Leagues at Prix St Georges and Inter 1, and was again selected to compete for GB, this time as a Senior, at Small Tour, both home and abroad.
Victoria is currently campaigning Suzy Dawe’s 10 year old Extra II whom she has trained and competed up the levels to Prix St Georges with much success. Extra II will be aimed at Small Tour in 2020. She also has some young superstars waiting in the wings who will be making their debut next year. She has trained for the last five years with Gareth Hughes.
