Ever since I was a pony-mad child, barely into double figures, our yearly trip to the Burghley Horse Trials was the highlight of my calendar. My sister and I could barely contain our excitement as we passed through those magnificent gates, eagerly anticipating the day ahead. Our little brother, on the other hand, didn’t quite share our enthusiasm—but he was always happy to tag along for the picnic!
Every year, we’d set off to walk the 4 mile long cross-country course, marveling at the impressive obstacles. I vividly remember our first year—our brother was just four years old, and by the time we reached fence five, the complaints started rolling in. By the halfway point, he was done! He planted his feet firmly on the ground and declared, "That's it! I'm going back!" No amount of reasoning could convince him that turning back wasn’t any shorter than finishing the course.
After we got our first pony, Crispin, Burghley became even more special. We’d save up our pocket money and go shopping to buy him little treats—a new hoof pick or maybe a dandy brush. Once home, inspired by our day at Burghley, we’d set up ambitious jumping courses for Crispin, using anything we could find—ladders, shrubbery, you name it!
My favourite rider was Lucinda Prior-Palmer (Green) in her iconic lemon silks.
My sister, on the other hand, was all about Ginny Holgate (Leng) and her famous purple silks.
As the years have passed, Burghley has become a place where we bump into old friends and share fond memories, and of course go shopping!
But this year, I’m seeing it all from a new perspective—I'm thrilled to announce that I’ll be exhibiting for the first time in the Country Living Pavilion on Avenue A! I’ve been planning my stand for weeks, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. Here is what you will find on my stand:
Original artwork, prints - both limited edition prints on canvas and mounted, also some more affordable prints. We can talk about commissioning a painting too.
I am bringing along my fine china all hand decorated in Stoke on Trent - including a brand new design - a cute hedgehog.
You will find my handmade cushions with sumptuous velvet backs - some already made up to take away, and a large choice of panels available to customise with trims so that you may have a bespoke cushion of your choice.
Tea towels made in Cheshire with some new designs - beagles and sausage dogs!
Handmade lampshades in a range of sizes.
Greeting cards made here in Lincoln.
Having lived in Lincolnshire over 35 years, this is my local event and many of my products are made in the county.
I hope to see you there but in case you can't make it, and to celebrate this milestone, I am offering anyone who signs up to my website a 15% discount online CLICK HERE to claim the discount on your first purchase.
If you’re interested in a great read about the history of 3 Day Eventing, the FEI has a fantastic explanation.
These nostalgic books will take some of you back to your pony mad days, and dreaming of being just like your heroes.
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