60 second interview - Tanya Viol, Breakspear member and eventer

Who are your current horses?I own two horses, 'Toby' who I keep with Catherine Cawdron in Sarratt. The second being 'Tommie' - 20 years old now. He is my ex event horse currently on loan to a lovely girl in Missenden enjoying lesser heights!! How long have you been riding?I have been riding all my life (as had my mother who probably put me on a pony as soon as she could!)Tell us about your 1st ponyMy first pony was a chestnut gelding called Shandy. I cant remember how little I was but my legs barely reached across his back. He was about 13hh but a fab first pony... nailed to the ground!Tell us about Toby, your current rideMy current horse is 'Toby' - a 16.3hh chestnut Irish sport horse. He is 10 years old. I bought him in 2006 as an unbroken 3 year old in Ireland. I have produced him myself. I currently compete at Medium BD, Foxhunter BS and Intermediate BE. He has been brilliant, and I have loved bringing on a horse myself. Each and every achievement has been hugely satisfying knowing its all your own hard work.

Whom do you train with?

I train with Catherine, Ian Woodhead (flat) and Stuart Reeve-Young at Patchetts. I have also had a huge input from Wendy Tyrell and Jonathan Chapman with Tobys development to where I am now.

What is your best achievement?

There has to be two that spring to mind.... Reaching the BD National Championships last year at Elementary and recently coming 5th at Hambleden International CIC* (both reflect pretty good dressage which if you know me and know the ponies I had in the Pony Club I never did anything at less than break neck speed! How times have changed!!)

Who is your role model?

Definitely Mary King! She is a Legend and a great ambassador for GB eventers.

What do you get up to when not riding?

Well work sadly! It pays for the horse. If I am not at the yard or at work I am probably asleep!!!