Ruth has only ever wanted to be an event rider and became Young Rider National Champion in 1999 on Classic Wizard. She won her first four star at Luhmuhlen in 2007 on Two Thyme and has three British Open titles under her belt as well as four National Dressage titles. Ruth was reserve for the Beijing Olympics and is on the Equine Pathway programme building up to the London Olympics in 2012.  

When did you start riding and what was your first pony?  I started riding before I could walk, on a Dartmoor pony called Dingy.

What's the best part of your job? Being lucky enough to ride and train such lovely horses.

What's the worst part of your job?  When we have to battle through the bad weather in the winter.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?  It was winning Luhmuhlen four star in 2007 on Two Thyme.

What's your goal for 2011? To do well at the spring three day events and to have a chance of going to the European's in Luhmuhlen in August.

Any career regrets or disappointments? None to speak of in particular but there are many more disappointments than highs in this sport, so you cherish the good times and don't dwell too long on the bad.

Which horse has a special place in your heart and why? Ice Dancer as he is incredibly generous and has a big heart, without him who knows where I would be now as he really did instigate my career. 

What advice would you give a wannabe eventer? Passion, drive and complete dedication are a must if you want to make it in the sport of eventing.

How did your decision to move into dressage come about? I had an old event horse called Big Thyme who had retired from eventing so I starting doing dressage with him. We competed up to Intermediare II and it was then I decided to buy something that was bred for the job, so I bought Shadowfax and it all went from there.

Would you ever consider a career in just dressage? Maybe in the very distant future but I'm having far too much fun eventing.

Where is the best place your career has taken you? I've been to some amazing places but last year I went out to Aachen in Germany. It was an amazing venue also watching the top showjumpers and dressage riders compete gave it a championship feel.

What would you say are your strengths as a rider? Determination and the ability to rise to the occasion.

What would you say are your weaknesses as a rider or what do you have to work the hardest at? I can over analyse things I need to forget them and move on quicker to the next challenge.

Do you have any other hobbies? How do you unwind?  I love skiing as a holiday. Also a lovely hotel for a few nights with my husband Peter would be a great way to unwind.

What piece of kit could you not live without?  My Passier Event saddle. Not only does it help me stay in perfect balance but also the horses find it a very comfortable fit too, enabling us both to perform at our best when it really matters. 

Where do you see yourself in five years time? Hopefully I will still be combining both eventing and dressage. Competing at top level in both sports would be my aim. 

What is your top tip for the H&C website visitors? Always plan to succeed, it's always easier to focus on your riding when you have a plan and are organised whilst being mentally positive.

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