Rob's Story
Rob first discovered his passion for dressage at the age of 17 when he began having lessons from the well-respected pony trainer Sonia Webster. He would work his weekends in return for lessons until he finally began working for her full time. This lead to 3 enjoyable years, in which Sonia gave Rob a good, solid foundation in all of the basics. You soon learn to sit still when being lunged with no stirrups holding a glass full of water!
Sonia then kindly helped Rob with gaining his new job as rider for Olympian and European Bronze medallist, Nicola McGivern. Here he would exercise Nicola’s top horses including the famous Active Walero. The opportunities that Nicola gave were immense and allowed Rob to compete successfully up to Prix St George. He also competed, with success, in the Young Horse classes notably with the grey gelding Active S Express. This partnership came in the top ten at the Badminton Young Dressage Championships and qualified for the Shearwater International Young Horse Championships where he went on to come 3rd.
In 2010 he was selected for the lottery funded BEF Regional Foundation Squad.
A chance meeting of friends at the end of 2010 saw Rob move to the stables of International Grand Prix rider, Anna Ross Davies. Here he would receive world class daily training whilst exercising her top horses as well as those in for training. He was fortunate enough to travel with Anna during her World Cup campaign. This saw him groom in Odense, London Olympia, Mechelen and Mannheim.
During his time with Anna, he was given a string of top quality young horses to bring on and compete on behalf of her owners. These included the Southern Cross Stud horses with which he achieved regular success.
The generosity and support of both Anna and her owners was invaluable to him and he appreciates the opportunities that were provided by them.
Rob is now based at the beautiful Hammer & Harp Farm, Beaconsfield. From here he runs a successful livery and training yard for 17 horses. Clients regularly travel to take advantage of Rob’s training.
He is proudly sponsored by Equine Essentials Direct, Stuart Equine and Equilibrium Products, The Simple Equine and Stuebben.
Since setting up on his own Rob has continued his competing successes, winning 3 regional titles and in 2014 he took his first National title aboard Lynne Bennett’s Rhodesia.
At the 2016 Winter Championships he placed in the top 5 with both of his horses, his and Kirsty Anthony’s, Sanssouci and Brenda Reddy’s BamBam.
During the 2017 season Rob represented Great Britain at Small Tour level at the Deauville CDI*** with Bambam, they were the highest placed British rider on two days with a 7th/8th & 11th. Later on in the year Rob and Maria Dent’s competed in the MCI European Championships, Paris. The National Anthem played out with Rob bringing home the Gold medal!
Rob trains with Olympic gold medalist Carl Hester and Lisa Hopkins.