RIDER PROFILES

Think of Gareth Hughes and western riding and Arabian showing would probably not be the first things to spring to mind!   The past National Dressage Title holder started out his riding career, when he was about eight and growing up in Australia, by riding a pony called Jimmy. After years riding and competing in western, showing and dressage classes in Australia, Gareth returned to the UK to pursue his dressage career riding for Broadstone Stud (then based at Paradise Farm). 

After a few years freelancing Gareth based himself in Cheshire with Stephen Clarke where he went on to ride and train horses before one of his owners, Anne Newton, became a business partner leading to them moving back to Gareth’s old yard in Oxfordshire, Paradise Farm.  Aspen Grove Dressage was subsequently formed and Gareth now has a string of successful horses to compete, including Nurejev, on whom he won his first National Title, Aspen Grove Duvie, a real star for the future, and the talented Sandman, who Gareth says is the most exciting horse he has ever sat on!  

 

If he wasn’t making a living with horses Gareth has absolutely no idea what he would be doing instead. “I am so lucky to be able to get up every morning and earn a living doing what I love and being able to fulfil my dreams,” he tells us. “It takes a lot of dedication and hard work. I ride about six horses every morning and help other riders in the yard, before spending the afternoons teaching – but it is worth it!” 

 

With aspirations to compete for Great Britain at the Olympics in the future, a very talented string of horses and some dedicated owners behind him we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Gareth!

 

Curry – I hate spicy food.

What couldn't you live without?

My staff - I couldn't cope without them!

Lessons with Gareth

Cost £40 per lesson.  Also able to take people for long term training.  Contact Gareth for further details.