Meet Hannah and Puzzle
I grew up in the South Lake District and went to school in small village called Cartmel. I had to move to Warrington for work in 2010.
I studied Earth & Environmental Science at Lancaster Uni then went to Newcastle to do masters in engineering geology! I am now a full time engineering geologist based in North West of England
Puzzle is my first horse and I bought him when I was 28. He is a bay welsh section D gelding
His favourite foods are Kendal Mint cake & brussel sprouts
His favourite pastime is galloping around a cross country course and ROLLING in a muddy field!
Quirks: he has a superman pose for peeing!!
Biggest lesson I’ve been taught: you are their parents and they are always there for you when you are having bad days
How did your Puzzle come into your life?
I was loaning a horse back in 2013/2014 and early 2014 his owner wanted to take him off loan so I started looking. My heart ♥️ was set on a fell pony and I tried a few but then I realised they wouldn’t be big enough for me. During the last few weeks of my loan, one of the girls on the yard said that another girl was selling a horse on behalf of his owner. She said it was a welsh section D. I was…. erm I’m unsure! I was offered to ride him for two weeks!
Well after the 1st ride I offered to buy him… and that’s how puzzle joined my family!
I’ve never looked back! He is my best friend and does what I ask with a few tantrums!
We’ve grown together and learnt the art of winging it at dressage!
He was 12 when I bought him
How long have you been riding?
I have been riding since I was 7. That is now 26 years!
When and where do you ride?
Looking good going cross-country
As I have my our horse box (which I call ironvan – due to the colours) we can go anywhere but we love Aintree Equestrian Centre.
When at home we mix it up with schooling in the outdoor and then the weekend hack.
How did you start riding?
According to my mum – I used sit on dad work horse as he was a joiner with a saddle on. They asked me if I wanted to do it when I was old enough.
What you and Puzzle currently working on?
We are currently working on elementary to medium level dressage
What do you love about riding?
It is my way of switching off from the world.
What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
Our 2020 goals are (which I hope can still be achieved)
Hannah and Puzzle competing at Eland Lodge
To compete at BD summer pet plan in both Novice and Elementary – I have my novice points but still working on my elementary which for obs reasons has halted!
Attempt for BE 80cm ODE
Compete at medium level dressage over winter 2020
Attempt dressage to music
And most of all HAVE FUN
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Yes, when I began competing it was all new.
How do you deal with them?
Having Fun
I just had to take deep breaths and remember it is all fun
Your Top Tip
Over winter I have found keeping Puzzle’s tail in plaits is best way to keep it clean!
The Final Furlong
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Milton
Who is your equestrian hero?
Laura Collett
If you could have five people to dinner who would they be?
Johnny Depp
Bruce wills
Ben Hobday
My friend Rachel @not_another_one_trick_pony
Laura Collett
