I have been working in the horse industry for 10 years. For the last 5 years my focus has been specializing in Dressage, training and competing.   Initially I started as a working pupil at South Medburn Farm, where I trained for BHS Examinations. It was here I developed an interest in schooling on the flat and wanted to widen my knowledge and experience.   I moved to a position as Head Girl/Rider in an expanding stud and livery yard, breeding pure and part bred Andalusians, with the emphasis on producing horses for competition. I received training from Rowena Hamilton and Mario Mendoza, who had been at the Spanish Riding School. I competed at Royal Windsor, Richmond and County Shows; success led to further horses to ride and I then moved on to pure dressage.   Margaret Donnelly's Cause for Optimism opened the door in affiliated dressage competitions. When this horse moved to Classic Dressage as a livery, I was offered the position as trainee rider to Rebecca Patmore, now Hughes. This fantastic opportunity to train and work with Rebecca gave me the ambition and desire to produce horses to all levels.   With Rebecca's help Cause for Optimism qualified for the Regionals. Then the following year went on to compete at the National Championships, where we were placed. This success continued, qualifying again on several occasions for the Regionals up to Elementary. Sadly due to unsoundness he was then retired from competition. During this time I was fortunate to receive regular training from Gareth Hughes, together with the chance to ride for other livery owners at Classic Dressage, as well as competing Rebecca's own horses. Classic Sensation in young horses classes and Classic Nakita at medium level, qualifying for the Chiltern and Thames Rider Championships.   After a nasty fall, breaking my leg, resulting in surgery and months or recuperation, I decided to freelance as a rider/trainer, which allowed me to do as much or as little riding as I wanted until I was fully fit again. I began to train Christen Planton's stallion Hart and went on to compete and qualify him for the Elementary Regionals. I have also backed youngsters and produced them to sell for their owner/breeder, whilst building up my freelancing.   In the Summer of 2008, Jan Long and I purchased a quality Dutch mare by Metall, who is proving to be a very exciting prospect. She will be out competing in 2009.