Best of my fun...
The ex-Olympic cyclist on her first ride aged 34 and mounting block blunders
Cyclist-turned-jockey Victoria Pendleton
My earliest equestrian memory...
I always wanted to ride but was never allowed to. My dad said to have a bike instead, as they don’t need feeding or mucking out.
My first ride…
At the age of 34, I accepted
Betfair’s Switching Saddles challenge to learn to race ride. I rode Chris King’s retired Blenheim winner, The Secret Weapon. I was led around and then lunged at walk and trot by Yogi Breisner.
My biggest mistake...
I was schooling over fences on a schoolmaster. There were some deer beyond the fence and the horse dodged the jump and I went through the wing. Even the most honest horses can catch you out.
My best experience as a spectator...
In 2016, I achieved my goal of riding in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on Pacha Du Polder. This year, I watched Bryony Frost win the same race on him. I was jumping up and down and shouting. I was so delighted for them both.
Loving being with horses...
When I was 16, I did work experience at a couple of farm centres with horses. I didn’t get to ride one, but I loved being in their company. One centre had a Clydesdale and I spent an hour and a half just grooming him.
If I hadn’t taken up cycling...
I wanted to study animal husbandry and look after animals, but I was talent spotted for the cycling track team and that was the direction I went in.
When I’m chilling out...
I love the veggie nut roast at The Thatch pub in Thame. I’ve just discovered Seedlip botanical drinks, which are great with a tonic.
When I want to get away...
My new passion is surfing and I have already taken two surfing holidays this year and have two more planned. I love Costa Rica — the surfing there is heavenly.
My greatest indulgence is…
My two horses, Sarah (According To Sarah) and Vesper (Vesperal Dream).
The worst piece of advice I’ve ever had…
“Don’t try to learn to ride and compete at Cheltenham within 13 months.” If I’d listened, I’d have missed out on so much. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.
My best date...
The first date I ever had with my now husband, Scott Gardner, was in the Royal Box at Wimbledon. That was pretty cool and the afternoon tea was great!
My horsey blunder...
The first day I went to Alan and Lawney Hill’s yard, they put me on the smallest horse there. However, I had only ever been legged up and when I tried to use the mounting block, the horse moved away. I was pulled onto the floor and he swung his head and sent me flying onto my bum. I tried to be quicker the next time...
What I would tell my 15-year-old self...
Get on a horse! H&H
‘Dad said have a bike instead,
as they don’t need feeding or mucking out’