Our Ambassadors

Carl Hester, a luminary in the equestrian world, is a highly esteemed British dressage rider and trainer. Renowned for his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport, Carl has left an indelible mark on the international dressage scene.

A pivotal figure in British dressage, Carl Hester's notable achievements include winning multiple national and international titles. He played a crucial role in securing Team Great Britain's historic gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, riding the iconic horse Uthopia.

Beyond his competitive success, Carl is widely respected for his commitment to the development of young talent and the promotion of equestrian education. He operates a world-class training facility at his Gloucestershire base, providing guidance to riders aspiring to reach the pinnacle of dressage excellence.

Carl Hester's influence extends far beyond the arena, as he is a charismatic ambassador for the sport. His dedication, sportsmanship, and passion for the well-being of horses have earned him universal admiration and respect, making him a true icon in the world of dressage.

Beginning as a typical child in pony clubs and riding schools, Freddy's fascination with natural horsemanship and horse behavior ignited at the age of 15. By 16, he departed from traditional schooling and immersed himself as a working student on a horsemanship yard, delving into the realms of classical dressage.

At 22, an unexpected turn led Freddy into the world of stunt and trick riding as he sought stables to launch his own horse training business. Over the next three years, he honed his skills as a trainee, mastering horse archery, trick riding, and performing on film and TV sets. During this time, Freddy proudly represented Great Britain in both trick riding and horse archery competitions.

Transitioning from his trainee role, Freddy dedicated himself entirely to his unique approach to horse training. Infusing principles from natural horsemanship and classical dressage, he crafted his distinctive style. Establishing his own business, Freddy expanded his horizons by developing a team of horses with his partner, creating captivating shows, and contributing as a stunt rider on various sets.

In his ongoing journey, Freddy Steele has evolved into a versatile equestrian professional. His latest ventures include confidence courses and clinics, where he imparts a wealth of knowledge gained from diverse horsemanship disciplines worldwide.

Lydia is a Jamaican event rider and she founded Cool Ridings to celebrate and support underrepresented riders. Having begun Eventing in 2012, Lydia produced a number of young horses and notes her podium finish at Cornbury House International CCI-S 2* aboard her own 7-year-old Tullaher Lottie as the most special memory in her career to date.

Her future was uncertain following the heartbreaking death of her mother Claire in 2022, but now based with Canadian international eventer Mike Winter and his wife Emma, Lydia’s hopes for this year are to develop her partnerships with two horses owned by supporters David Howden and Carl Shuker and to get some international runs under her belt.

Lydia has experienced firsthand how important diversity is for underrepresented riders. Beginning her equestrian journey at a local riding school aged 11 with the support of her late Mother Claire, Lydia trained daily and showjumped at national level before committing to Eventing in 2012. Lydia obtained dual nationality and begun representing Jamaica in 2017. This is an achievement she knew would inspire others to venture into a sport where racial diversity is not typically high and soon Cool Ridings was born.

Sophie Hall juggles a full-time job in marketing with her equestrian passion by moonlighting as a successful social media influencer and model. Sophie has a true flair for style and delves into the world of luxury travel and equestrian fashion in her popular Instagram posts and brand partnerships. Not only this, but Sophie also competes regularly in eventing up to CCI1* with her horse Helvick Mandela, also known as Freddie.

Over the years, Sophie has produced horses to Badminton Grassroots level and ridden on the British Universities' team, competing all over Europe. It was then that brands started to make contact wanting to support her. 

Now, Sophie has more than 15,000 followers on Instagram and equestrian modelling is one of her main focuses, working with brands that range from Toggi, Holland Cooper and Fairfax & Favor to Alan Paine and Hugo Boss, plus jewellery and accessories businesses, too. She splits her time between London and her parents' home in Shropshire, where the horses live.

Charlie was riding before he could walk, but it was around the age of 14 that Charlie took up Dressage seriously and learnt from the bottom up. He left school at the age of 16 and became qualified with the BHS exams as an Assistant Instructor. He was also a member of the World Class programme for 7 years aged 17-23.

At the age of 18 Charlie spent a several months training with the German Olympic Team Trainer Jonny Hilberath and since his return has been training with Carl Hester ever since. His most notable accolades include 8 International wins and 6 National titles.

He also won Team Gold and Individual Silver at the Youth Olympics and has ridden on 5 consecutive Junior and Young Rider teams as well as a Young Rider World Cup.

Charlie also comes from a well-known family of equestrians. He’s the son of equestrian legend and owner of Talland School of Equitation Pammy Hutton and brother to fellow dressage rider Pippa El Derby.

Anna Jellis is an International showjumper, qualified coach and breeder for her family business Weston Warmbloods at her base in Hampshire. She also manages Ampfield Riding School, which is situated on the other half of her base.

Having competed as a junior at HOYS, Hickstead and more, Anna went on to train with Tina and Graham Fletcher to progress her showjumping career, before later later diversifying into breeding successful showjumpers alongside her mother Gerda Weston.  

After moving to Guernsey for four years, Anna made the decision at the end of 2006 to move back to the UK to assist her mother with the running of the stables. This move has proved invaluable and enables Anna to ride and train her horses as well as attending shows during the week providing she is not needed on the yard.

Anna’s team consists of some very exciting and talented horses which are mainly homebreds. Weston Warmbloods have a very active breeding program and over the next few years are looking to build up a string of quality horses. Anna has many ambitions for the future, which are mainly focused on the young horses and getting them qualified for the many age and novices classes that there are around the country.