My Passion With Joanna Talbot

You could say horse riding is in my blood. I started riding at six and my earliest childhood memories were of being packed into my gran’s Ford Fiesta to visit horse shows across the country.

My gran came from a family of show horse producers, breeding and showing Hackney horses all over the world. In her later years she was judging at the most prestigious equine events such as the Horse of the Year Show.

This is really where my love of horses began. I rode every Saturday at stables in South Yorkshire until I was 12, when my parents bought me my first pony.

The fact I used to pretend my bike was a horse probably influenced their decision – they probably feared for my sanity.

I will never forget my first pony Misty Blue, a scruffy grey Arab cross. I spent every evening after school at the stables and every weekend competing. We went on to win over 100 rosettes in our first two seasons.

After losing my beloved pony in my late teens I went on to purchase my next horse, which is where my interest in the discipline of dressage began.

Originally bought to event, my next horse proved to be very challenging. After a couple of nasty falls my parents decided to sell him. During this time I had another horse at the same yard, but, despite my parents’ pleas, I just didn’t want to part with my other horse.

Being one of the most driven people I know, I was determined not to be defeated. Always keen to learn I began having lessons with a Grand Prix dressage judge and rider. I picked dressage as a safer option for my unpredictable horse and became addicted. I spent the next five years living and breathing the sport.

Horses are still very much my passion. As well as riding I am a trustee for equine charity, The Saddle Research Trust, which is dedicated to leading and supporting research into the influence of saddles on the welfare, safety and performance of horses and riders.

I currently own a beautiful warm blood mare, Alexis Maximus, which is the love of my life. Probably the most advanced horse I have owned, she has taught me a lot technically. I have just invested in a new horse lorry and I plan to affiliate her this year.

Our plans were put back by a year due to an injury, which has meant eight months’ box rest and rehabilitation, which consisted mainly of me walking her in hand for an hour a day, not a job for the fainthearted!

Despite the 5.30am starts and having an extremely busy life, I believe my passion has provided me with some invaluable skills, as well as the necessary discipline and determination required to be successful in my chosen ventures in life. I am extremely lucky and would not be able to do it without the support of my husband and family.