Nicola is getting a Buzz for Kentucky

Nicola's parents soon found out that the quickest way to keep her quiet was to put her on a pony.

"So I guess I have been destined for a career with horses," says Nicola.

Next week she leaves with the other members of the British Eventing squad to compete at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Her horse, Opposition Buzz, already has his bags packed and will fly from Belgium on Tuesday.

Nicola more than made her mark on her debut appearance with the squad last year, at the European Championships.

She and Opposition Buzz were chosen as the pathfinders for the cross-country course, a huge responsibility which they handled perfectly, and the team went on to win gold.

"I have always relished the idea of riding first and I was delighted but nervous, of course," said Nicola. "You have to have your wits about you and just hope your preparation and training stands you in good stead. Going out first, you just have to get out there and do your job."

She has been riding Opposition Buzz, or Dodi as he is known at home, for the past seven years. He was bred and is owned by Rosemary Search, who will be in Lexington to see them in action. He has always been a bold jumper but has found dressage difficult.

"That's because of the way he is built but he tries and gives his all and he's been going from strength to strength," said Nicola. "He's had a fantastic preparation for WEG, winning at Barbury and at the Scottish Open."

Nicola's mother, Mary Tweddle, was joint master of the Bedale hunt and has been a major influence on her career.

Along with brother Steven and sister Rachael, Nicola grew up with horses. Even her husband, Alastair, who gave up riding after his Pony Club days, has started hunting again.

"It's a case of if you can't beat them, join them. The whole family hunt with the Bedale," says Nicola.

Eventing really took off for her when she got her first horse (as opposed to pony) when she was a teenager. He was called Mr Bumble and they did everything together, from Pony Club up to competing at Burghley. "We learned it all together and I owe him an awful lot."

Along with pursuing her riding ambitions, Nicola also completed her studies at Manchester University where she did a degree in sports science and business management.

Another memorable horse called Skiver came her way. He belonged to Lady Milnes-Coates, from near Thirsk, who asked her to see what she could make of him.

"I thought he had quite a bit of ability," said Nicola, who went on to ride him at Badminton and Burghley and they were on the reserve list for the 2005 European Championships. They also came third in at Bramham in 2007. Nicola came within a whisker of winning Bramham last year, too, riding Sir Robert Ogden's horse Master Banks. They were just beaten on time in the final show-jumping round to be placed second.

Now Nicola and the other members of the British squad are busy making their final preparations for the World Equestrian Games when they will be up against 14 other nations.

Senior members of the squad include Mary King, William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell and Tina Cook, with Nicola, 33, and Piggy French, 29, the emerging, younger riders. Four riders will be selected to make up the team with the remaining two competing as individuals.

In the past 10 years, since Yogi Breisner took over as the team's trainer, they have won 10 gold, seven silver and five bronze medals.

Nicola will be spending this weekend closer to home, competing four of her horses at Allerton Park horse trials, near Knaresborough. After that, she will be keeping her fingers crossed that Opposition Buzz travels well – and that she does not forget to pack anything.

THE World Equestrian Games includes the eight disciplines of dressage, eventing, showjumping, Para-equestrian dressage, driving, endurance, reining and vaulting.

It runs from September 25 to October 10.

CW 18/9/10