Biography
I have been a professional event rider since 18, including during my degree years at Bristol University, where I studied History of Art. My horses are at home in South Gloucestershire at the yard I have taken over from my eventing father, Richard Meade. In 2008, I had 10 horses competing at all levels, including 2 horses at 4*, including Midnight Dazzler who has been my top horse for a while and who really put me on the map, and Birthday Night who I started riding just before Badminton 2007. Dazzler and Birthday Night, between them, have taken me round Badminton and Burghley 10 times back to back - the youngest rider ever to do so!
I have to admit that I got off to a good start with help from my father, Olympic gold medallist, Richard Meade. I was also stable jockey to William Fox-Pitt when I started, whom I greatly admire and from whom I learned so much. Of course, like many riders, I have aspirations to be on the Senior GB team (I rode on the team as a Junior) and to ride at the Olympics. I am now on the World Class Squad which is a great support in training, fitness and performance management.
In 2009, I achieved my best Badminton finish (a top 10 placing clear inside the time) on Dazzler in 2009 and we finished 3rd at Bramham 3*. I have two younger horses who will move up to three star next year, Wild Lone and Tinkas Time who are exciting prospects. 2009 was also an important year in that Karen Hughes joined my team. Karen is a exceptionally talented groom who was Andrew Hoy's head girl for 15 years. She has been to numerous Olympics, so is a real asset to us!
I adore eventing and the absolute test of the cross country where it's you and your horse against the course (not the other competitors). I wouldn't swap it for the world. It's the only thing I want to do!