Chatting with Martha Jobling-Purser

This week I’m thrilled to be chatting with the young Irish international dressage rider Martha Jobling-Purser. 17-year old Martha has already enjoyed considerable success representing her country and looks set for a very successful future indeed . Read on to discover more about Martha, her ambitions, and top tips for success

Tell me about you and your horses?

I’m a seventeen year old international dressage rider based in the North East of England. My current main man is Ivan Carlos, a black 9 year old gelding by Ampere who is the sweetest horse you could ever meet. The rest I ride are in for schooling/breaking in/selling.

 

How did horses come into your life?

Both my parents ride, and we have a yard at home so naturally I began riding before I could walk. Before I had ponies of my own my mum would plonk me on a horse whilst she was mucking out to keep me quiet.  

How long have you been riding?

  Since I was 3 years old.

 

When and where do you ride?

  Everyday at our yard.

 

How did you start riding?

  I started out in showing classes and was a show rider until I was fourteen years old where I transitioned into dressage. I learnt so much about turnout, ring craft and riding in really huge atmospheres such as horse of the year show.

 

What are you and your horses currently working on?

With Ivan Carlos I am making the step up to Prix St. Georges which is a new level for both of us so we’re focusing on the tempi changes and canter pirouettes.  

What do you love about riding?

  The partnerships you build and how rewarding it is to see the young horses build in confidence and develop.  

What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?

  To ride international Grand Prix and my big goal is to one day ride at an Olympic Games.  

 

Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?

  A little yes.

 

How do you deal with them?

  I always listen to music whilst I’m getting ready and I try to think of a show as a training session with the judge being the “trainer” as they’re giving you the feedback to help you improve. That way I ride more like I would at home.  

 

Your Top Tip

Have fun.  

 

Down The Centre Line

   

Who would be your dream horse to ride?

  Glamourdale. So much power and that canter is something else!  

Who is your equestrian hero?

  Carl Hester.  

If you could have 5 people to dinner who would they be?

  People who I don’t get to see often enough!

 

Favourite colour horse?

  Black.  

Favourite horse event?

  Future champions Hof Kasselmann in Germany.  

Favourite food?

  Italian.  

Favourite way to relax?

  Watching netflix.

 

Favourite film?

  Secretariat.

Want More?

If you enjoyed meeting Martha  you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here    You can keep up with Martha’s progress and check out her instagram page here