Oakhanger

Corinne Collins - My Story

I was born in Congleton, Cheshire. My Granddad had always liked horses and often took my mum to Oakhanger for riding lessons when she was a little girl and eventually she got her own horse.

It was when, as a small child, my mum used to sit me in front of her on her horse and canter me around the field, which I loved, that my interest in horses started.

My first lesson was at Oakhanger when I was four, then for my seventh birthday I was lucky enough to have my own pony which I broke in myself. I eventually realised that this pony couldn't jump whereupon I got my second pony, Prince, and started to learn to jump at Oakhanger at the Tuesday night shows.

I then progressed to Cheshire Jumping Club and won my first major class in 1988 at my first attempt! At this time I also joined several local Riding Clubs, Leek and District, Caverswall and District, and Nantwich Riding Clubs. I represented all of them in local team competitions and won most of the championship trophies for the end of year points.

My childhood highlight was qualifying for Hickstead and coming 6^th in the British Riding Club Championships when I was 11 years old.

I started riding horses when I was 13 but unfortunately I could only afford an unbroken horse. I brought the horse on myself and together we went on to win six consecutive Senior British Novice classes. I also rode a friend's horse in the Martin Dawes Open Championship and was 3^rd.

After riding for several dealers in the area I soon got a good reputation for being able to get the best out of any horse. My ambition at that time was to jump in Europe and be a member of the Young Riders Team.

My dream then started to become a reality when I met George who had moved to the area. He specialised in competition horses and in training riders for show jumping. This was when I bought my first proper horse, although George says that I still haven't paid him for it!

George recognised my potential, and with his support and encouragement I was able to compete worldwide. I have since won in, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Canada, and even India. I have also been placed in Austria, Spain and Switzerland.

In 2001 I had my biggest win at the Middlesex Grand Prix, and the same year topped the Lady Riders Ranking in the UK.

During the Sydney Olympics, I looked after horses belonging to several of the British Olympic Team members whilst they were away.

My only outstanding ambition now is to represent Great Britain at the next Olympics. I have been a member of the World Class Start Programme for three years and hope to realise that ambition in due course, as many leading riders have confirmed. At the moment I have a string of up and coming horses and one in particular is showing fantastic potential.

I am fortunate enough to be based at Oakhanger where I have sufficient facilities to train my horses to their full potential. The same facilities are available for any level of rider.

We decided to reopen Oakhanger as a Riding School three years ago and to organise small shows for the benefit of our clients. These proved to be a great success and a number of our riders now have their own ponies that they are successfully competing. We also provide Stable Days for the children during school holidays where they can learn about various aspects of stable management. We can offer opportunities for work experience to local schools and colleges. We are also able to cater for children with disabilities in the Riding School.

Our belief is that horse riding is an excellent way to get and keep fit and offers children, young and young at heart people a useful and responsible outlet for their energies.