Edward is a top producer as well as a top show rider. His charges have won major titles at both Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International (RIHS). Edward has ridden many champions, including hack Classic Chauvinist and riding horse Legal Eagle.
My mother always told me that hands were made before gadgets, so in training I keep things simple. Gadgets and the like are just short cuts and don’t work in the long run. There is no substitute for hard work and patience. The other day I needed a pair of draw-reins and it took me an hour to find them, as I hadn’t used them in so long.
I’ve been lucky enough to have spent time with some incredible horse people over the years. One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was from the late Davina Whiteman, who told me off for not delegating enough.
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Freelance equestrian journalist
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.