#TeamMSVP
When finding riders to represent me I wanted people keen to improve whilst putting their horses' welfare first
Esther and Harriet are kind, correct riders that work hard to achieve their goals
It is a pleasure to see the strong partnerships they have formed with their horses and I am proud to be a part of their journeys
Esther Mills
Rider Profile
Freelance BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach and Manager at White Hall Stables.
As a rider, I have competed at BS, BE and most recently BD. I spend most of my time coaching, looking after the horses and riding. As a rider and coach, horse welfare is my utmost priority. Having regular physiotherapy treatments with Miriam is an essential part of my horse's routine as well as many of my client's horses that I work and teach with. Sessions are often routine checkups to help keep the horses' tip top but occasionally to address a problem that I am feeling in the saddle or seeing from the ground. Miriam's help is incredibly valuable to keep their horses performing at their best by being comfortable in their bodies and therefore happy in their minds with a willingness to train and build positive partnerships with our equine teammates.
My horse Micky I bought unbroken as a 5-year-old in 2017. With great promise as an event horse, this was the route we were hoping to take. Sadly, Micky was diagnosed with a degenerative condition in 2018 but Miriam has been brilliant in keeping him comfortable throughout rest, rehab and return to competition.
In 2021 we made it back into the dressage arena and took the plunge to affiliate BD in October 21. In our first year of membership, we attended the PetPlan area festivals, regionals, arena festival championships and the BD summer nationals! Thanks to Miriam our dreams have become a reality!
I have been incredibly lucky to have had opportunities to compete in all disciplines in recent years. Show Jumping has always been my main love, but I thoroughly enjoy the training and development for Dressage and the thrill of Eventing.
I am thrilled to be an ambassador for MSVP and extremely grateful for this opportunity and support! I am excited and look forward to the future and hope to represent the team with positive results!
Rider Q&A
The best moment of my career so far is:
I have 2! Attending the Nationals with Micky and my Pony Club A test.
The rider that I am most inspired by is:
Ingrid Klimke - she rides beautifully and seems to really love her horses when I have watched her Masterclasses!
If I could own any horse, it would be:
Laura Collette's London 52. Eventer with great Dressage and Show Jump.
My top competition tip is:
Make a list! If you have a list, you'll never forget anything, and it helps to keep me calm knowing everything I need is on board.
My aims for the 2023 season are:
The summer regionals at Novice and to have a go at Elementary with Micky. To keep working on improving my riding and knowledge to help the horses that I ride and people that I coach.
What would I be if not an equestrian:
If I'd have not gotten into horses, I'd have loved to be a DJ!
Harriet Lawton
Rider Profile
I have currently stepped away from working with horses full-time and I am now working in the dog grooming industry. It is very different to what I am used to but I still do my freelance riding alongside this. I have previously worked on a showing and hunter yard that has given me amazing experiences and knowledge that I use alongside my BSc Equestrian Physiology and Sports Science degree.
I am very lucky to have three lovely ponies at the moment. Bill, a traditional who is now retired from a very successful career in the show ring and now enjoys the happy hacking life. Marley, a 6-year-old Section C that I am currently bringing on and introducing to the flat showing after a lovely start of the in-hand job. Then 'golden balls' Shea, a 10-year-old Connemara. I bought Shea as a 4-year-old and produced him myself to compete in Working Hunter Pony classes. Last season we got our ticket for Royal International and we would love to be able to return this year. We will also be attending the HOYs qualifiers in the hope to get that ticket too!
Although I have individual goals for each horse, I wouldn't be anywhere without the help from Miriam. As my ponies' welfare is paramount, I include routine visits from Miriam with all 3 as I know they are getting the best treatment they can and any issues that arise are sorted as soon as they can be.
I am feeling overwhelmed and truly grateful to be working with Miriam this season and cannot wait to see what it has in store for all of us!
Rider Q&A
The best moment of my career so far is:
Being a groom for Vicky Smith and 'Bart' winning at HOYs.
The rider that I am most inspired by is:
I'd have to say Piggy March, just mega at everything and such a sympathetic rider.
If I could own any horse, it would be:
Heavyweight Hunter - Twinshock Warrior.
My top competition tip is:
Routine, preparation, give yourself plenty of time! Keep everything the same so that its not a shock to you or the horse. I try to keep my working in the same as I would at home.
My aims for the 2023 season are:
I can dream but I would love to get my tickets with Shea to HOYs and RI but mainly to keep the horses happy, healthy and enjoying their jobs.
What would I be if not an equestrian:
Erm, rich, Horses cost a lot!