Alice Collins

Alice is the owner of Zest Dressage

Alice was born and raised in London in a non horsy environment. As soon as Alice showed an interest in horses, age seven, her dad told her they were "dangerous at both ends and uncomfortable in the middle."

Age seven she went to boarding school and only began riding frequently a year later as riding was the only sport on offer that got her off the school premises.

The perils of polos

Despite a nasty kick from a turbo charged pony who had been fed two packets of polos just before she got on, Alice's passion for horses went from strength to strength.

In school holidays Alice helped out at riding schools and got her first pony, Sparky, on loan when she was 16.

Alice moved on to university where she studied Latin American Studies but continued to ride and teach during her free time, gaining her BHSAI. After graduating she went to work full time at Contessa Riding Centre, as a senior instructor. After nearly two years training at Contessa with Tina Layton, Alice moved to Classic Dressage to manage the on site shop and further her interest and knowledge of dressage.

Zest for life

After a year and a half Alice left to set up her own company, Zest Dressage. Zest specialises in the breeding, sourcing and training of young dressage horses. Alice is a DEFRA approved Equine AI Technition and also works as a journalist in London and writes for publications including Horse & Hound.

Alice's breeding programme consists of choosing stock from the UK and abroad based on proven performance bloodlines. She believes mares have a huge role to play in the temperament and personality of the ensuing foal, and chooses her mares accordingly.

Alice will be sharing the highs and lows of running a busy breeding and producing outfit in her exclusive H&C blog.