MY life as an equestrian athlete is a life of contrasts; my excitement at travelling to an international competition pitted against my anxiety at turning my back on the yard, if only for a few short days.

My sense of privilege to ride such talented horses grapples against my incessant concern about their well-being; my honouring of the good fortune in making my passion my career locks horns with the niggling suspicion that there is likely an easier way to make a buck (and one that does not involve being party to a buck!).