Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history:

I’ve been around horses most of my life (my mother bred Arabian horses) and we kept horses at home. I started jumping in my 20’s after doing a lot of dressage, showing and equitation. I have loved earning a living from my passion, and am still enjoying competing, coaching and course designing at all levels.

You’re the course designer for Derby this year, as you have been for a few years now, will you be competing as well, and if so will we be seeing you on Alzu Oregon?

I won’t be riding since regulations now forbid the course designer from participating, but also because I do not have a top horse at present – I retired Oregon earlier this year – he has been a champion, winning 2 World Cup Qualifiers as well as the Derby for me (I purchased him as a 3 year old) and he deserves a lovely relax in a big grass paddock!

 How has being the course designer changed your view of this event over the last few years?  

It hasn’t! This is the oldest, most traditional event in the world and I always aspired to participate in it when I started show jumping, not dreaming I might win it at 2^nd attempt…

Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which have you most enjoyed jumping the Derby track on and why?  

I have made 11 starts in the Derby through my whole career on 5 horses. I enjoyed every round (though scared!) and am impressed with my successes: 2 wins, a 3rd and I came in 4^th twice.  

What technical advice would you give to riders jumping this course for the first time?  

This is not technical riding – it’s a case of correct preparation, fitness, focus and courage

Have you seen the new United Aviation Group branded jumps that are being included this year? Are they scary? 

In my opinion, they are smart, classical and only moderately scary – but you never know what the horses think until they approach the fences!

Fun questions: If this is the answer, what’s the question?: 

So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! 

The bank: Money, money, money!

5am mornings: Nice in summer

Something I would never try/ do! Skydiving

The dyke: Not the worst, but beware the devil at the bottom!

The thing dreams are made of!  Summer mornings, long walks in beautiful Nature, smelling my horses’ noses, good times with good friends and family, travel, successes, adventures!