2023/24 Talented Athlete Programme Recipient
Meet Greata Spence
Sport: Horse Riding, Dressage
Course: Psychology, 3rd Year
How did you first get into your sport?
My mum got me into riding as she used to be a professional rider when she was younger. I started riding when I was 2, at a local riding school. I then got my first pony from World Horse Welfare, an animal rescue charity, when I was 9. He’s called Star, and he taught me so much. When I was a bit older I started to ride a pony at the livery yard Star was at, called Duncan. I show jumped with him, going and placing at numerous national championships. I started getting more into dressage when I was probably about 14.
What has motivated you to continue to your current level?
When I was younger, wanting to ride professionally motivated me to get to a high level. I no longer want to ride professionally, so when I first came to uni I lost quite a bit of motivation to even just continue with riding for numerous reasons, including my competition horse, Tito, becoming very ill. I wasn’t sure if he was going to actually still be with us for a little while. Luckily, he has made a full recovery and we are now back competing, however having such a big break from riding did make it difficult for me to actually motivate myself to continue competitive riding. I think what made me re-motivated was that I wanted to do Tito justice and let him show off competing, which is what he loves doing.
How do you manage/juggle university life and your sport - training, competitions?
I find it really tricky to juggle riding with university. Competing horses is very time consuming. I have to make sure that I am fit enough to ride through tests, and that he is also fit enough to perform. I am incredibly lucky that Tito is at my trainers yard, which means she can keep him fit so I can go back home and compete when I can. I mostly compete during the holidays so that we are adequately prepared for competitions. I can’t just go home for one day to compete - it takes a couple of weeks to prep for just one show.
Describe your average day-in-the life?
My day-in-the-life when I am at home and riding/competing - I usually get up, go feed the horses/turn them out, do anything on the yard that has to be done. I will then go and train with Tito, make sure he is looked after and happy afterwards, then usually get home and go to work. (Very boring I know, but there isn’t much I can expand on this one haha).
Who are your sporting inspirations?
There are a lot of people I could say for this one - I really like Carl Hester, Lottie Fry, Catherine Dufour - but then I’m not sure who wouldn’t. My trainer, Holly Colgate Cooke would have to be my main sporting inspiration though. She has been my trainer and mentor since I was about 16 - so for around 5 years.
Main sporting aim for this goal for this year?
I have many aims for this year, but with it being my final year of uni I’m trying to be as realistic as possible with the amount of time I will have. I am hoping to go to high profile shows towards the end of year, Go to the veteran championships next September. Regionals and area festivals are my main aim. I am just hoping to get out as much as I possibly can.