This week I’m delighted to be chatting with the hugely talented British dressage rider Ellen Glover. Ellen works and rides as part of Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin’s team. Read on to discover more about Ellen, her ambitions, and top tips for success
Tell us about you and your horses?
Ellen and Alamo II owned by Nick and Helen Caton
My name is Ellen Glover, twenty one years old, based in Gloucestershire. I work for Carl Hester and Charlotte du Jardin and have done so for the past 5 years. Alongside working for Carl and Charlotte I am a British Dressage UKCC Level 2 Recognised Coach and British Dressage Trainee Judge. I have competed at both Regional and National level. I am lucky enough to own two gorgeous young horses, MFS Morricone’s Love (4yrs) and MFS Don Florestan (3yrs), both of which I have owned
since foals and in the process of producing myself.
How did horses come into your life?
Ellen’s first regional championship winning on Holme Park Flaunt owned by Alex Stanley in 2018.
Horses came into my life through my Mum’s passion which she never had the opportunity to pursue.
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How long have you been riding?
Since I was eight years old.
When and where do you ride?
I ride for Carl and Charlotte either warming up or having the occasional lesson on Valegro or Uthopia which are what dreams are made of! I then ride my own horses and client’s horses around working for Carl and Charlotte at both my own yard and private yards.
How did you start riding?
Ellen riding MFS Morricone’s Love as a 3yr old
I started riding where I am based in the Forest of Dean. My Mum and I would borrow a friend’s pony and walk miles around the Forest every Sunday morning. From there the passion grew and went on to do all Pony Club activities and competitions.
What are you and your horses currently working on?
After breaking in MFS Morricone’s Love last year as a 3 -year-old, we are currently working on getting the foundations of training secure and building his strength. We have recently taken him out for his first few training sessions away from home which he has been a delight. I am so excited for what is to come and aim for shows in the near future.
Winter Hacking on Florentina
MFS Don Floreston is at the beginning of the breaking in process. I have recently sat on him for the first time and last week trotted loose around the arena.
The big goal for both horses is I would like to get them to Grand Prix, currently early days – watch this space!
What do you love about riding?
I love the partnership and trust you create between horse and rider. I enjoy the small
wins in training which build up to bigger goals especially with young horses with the most simplistic tasks it is just so rewarding.
What would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any other goals?
Ellen and Uthopia
My overall goal is to compete at International Grand Prix with a horse that I have produced myself and to run my own yard of happy and successful competition horses. I can never sit still and always looking to achieve. Currently my short-term goals are to become a listed BD Judge and to do my HGV.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves when riding?
Thankfully I am quite a relaxed person, so my nerves don’t tend to get the better of me when on a horse. Put me in front of 100 people and ask me to speak, it may be a different story!
How do you deal with them?
Ellen’s first sit on MFS Morricone’s Love under the guidance of Alan C Davies
If I do get nervous or my way of dealing with most things is to eat my way through the situation.
Top Tip
Ride every movement individually, don’t dwell on the previous. Focus on your strengths, ride positively and enjoy every moment.
Down The Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
It’s a privilege to ride every horse.
Who is your equestrian hero?
My equestrian hero is Alan C Davies. Alan is always there through the ups and downs, helps me through everything and I will be forever grateful. Always there every morning at 6.45am to give me life advice whilst we muck out. I am sure he dreads the moment when I say “I’ve been thinking…”
If you could have 5 people to dinner, who would they be?
Tom Hardy, my brother, Miriam Margolyes, Greg Davies and Giveon.
Favourite colour horse?
Bay
Favourite horse event?
Badminton – for the most amazing shopping!
Favourite food?
My Dad’s roast dinner or Nutella
Favourite way to relax?
At home with family
Favourite film?
Dirty Dancing
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Ellen you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here You can keep up with Ellen’s progress and check out her instagram page here
