Though I rarely ride anymore, I used to take it quite seriously. I started out like many people who ride, in the hunting field, progressing on to dressage, eventing and some show jumping. Dressage was what interested me and I was fortunate enough to have had some good horses to ride, my own and other peoples. It became my full-time job.
I was lucky enough to spend a great year in Saumur, France, training with the Cadre Noir, which apart from being a fantastic experience in the saddle, was also great for food and wine. As a bonus I learnt a bit of french too.
That is me on the left, at the National Dressage Championships riding Balfern Sauntering Lass way back in 1998. Picture by Kevin Sparrow
These days I am a photographer, a hobby for many years which started off with my backpacking travels of Asia so many years ago now. I still see a lot of horses as I photograph them nearly every week, in the arena or in the studio, but I also love to go back to India and places as often as possible, for the photographic opportunities as well as just being there. Actually, the first time I went to India was in 1984, when I spent three months teaching children to ride in New Delhi. Wonderful experience.
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Mandy Reddock - Hi Michael I would love one of those photos of Jo, preferably the one I clicked I liked. Do you think you could do me a small copy and I could update the one I have of her in my bedroom. Many thanks Mandy
michael - For Jo’s God Mother, no problem, but I do not know which one you like as they are just looping in a slide show.