Heroes and heroines

I LOVED watching riders such an Anneli Drummond-Hay. She was such a strong character with a brilliant horse in Merelya-Monarch (pictured). I got on very well with Harvey Smith, but my real hero was Irish rider Seamus Hayes. Seamus won the first Hickstead Derby in 1961 and I got to know him well when we travelled together to indoor shows in Germany. He was a lovely man and a fantastic rider.

When I watch present-day riders, I’m impressed by William Whitaker. I met him and Scott Brash in London and they were both extremely kind, calling me their heroine, which can’t possibly be true! Scott is the ultimate horseman and is the best British rider at the moment. He is also a really nice guy.