Alice Goring

PIKEUR AMATEUR OF THE YEAR

ALICE GORING knows a thing or two about hard work. The 25-year-old, who landed the competitive Pikeur Amateur of the Year award, juggles eventing at two-star with a career in osteoporosis research, putting in lengthy hours to combine the two.

In fact, Alice confessed that she was heading back to work that night after the H&H Awards concluded.

“We’re pitching a business idea to potential investors tomorrow morning, so I have to prepare tonight,” explained Alice, who is no stranger to working late into the night.

“My horses are so used to being ridden in the dark, all year round. Floodlights are my best friend!

“I have to be very organised and make plenty of back-up plans, as I often have to work late. I also have a very understanding team around me.”

This year has been something of a whirlwind for the Surrey-based rider, who made her first trip abroad to compete at Tattersalls CCI*, where she finished on her dressage score with her diminutive ride,

The Little Frenchman.

“He’s only 15hh on his tiptoes — a pony really — and he can barely see over the fences, but he doesn’t realise how tiny he is; he just loves it,” laughed Alice, who is aiming to step up to advanced level with the 12-year-old gelding. “He’s my horse of a lifetime and makes all the hard work worth it — I couldn’t do it without a horse who makes me smile every day.”

‘I’m always riding in the dark — floodlights are my best friend!’ ALICE GORING ON JUGGLING WORK AND EVENTING