Jemima’s Journey

Jemima was born in Devon and enjoyed her childhood playing on her parents small farm with her 3 brothers. At aged 2 the passion and love for horses began and Jemima’s first pony ‘Dinky’ arrived. There were many days riding with her father which involved the gorgeous Exmoor hills. Jemima’s childhood riding was pony club, gymkhanas and grooming for her father when he played polo.

Jemima attended boarding school in Taunton where she loved sports and regularly participated in games, rounders and hockey being her favourite. After doing her GCSE’S Jemima made the decision to not go back as she knew that she wanted to focus her career in the equine world and that wasn’t possible to do there.

Before she finished her GCSE’s Jemima bought a just backed thoroughbred, Ebony, who she wanted to produce so this also helped with Jemima’s decision. She enrolled in a college for equine studies and studied for two years before joining the industry. After college Jemima focused on eventing and over the years worked her way up from a working pupil to head girl and second rider, the absolute dream job! Jemima produced Ebony to Intermediate level and the old 1* before retiring her and was lucky to ride for some lovely owners and groom at some fantastic venues, Le Lion 6 and 7yr old championships being her favourite. Jemima feels very grateful to have been able to fulfil that dream in the eventing world before a non-riding accident in 2015 which left her paralysed from the waist down and permanently wheelchair dependant.

Jemima suffered from a complete spinal cord injury leaving her with no sensation or movement from the waist down. There were also numerous other abdominal injuries which needed emergency intervention and has left Jemima with a weakened right hand abdominal wall and pain. After these injuries the likelihood of riding again looked very small and doctors advised against getting back on a horse, but Jemima didn’t except that as an option, instead had to think of other ways of doing the thing she loved the most.

The reality of how much of a challenge really hit Jemima when she first got back in the saddle on the RDA pony Pandora, Jemima couldn’t even let go of the front of the saddle as her balance was so poor. Thats when Jemima had to make plans of how to get strong and physically up to the challenge. Jemima’s family were her rocks and put their lives on hold to help Jemima daily, even just getting out of bed to taking her to her numerous appointments. Jemima started neuro physio weekly which was a couple of hours away, rode 3 days a week even if it was just 15 minutes, started pilates and the gym. Jemima has now joined a cross- fit gym and absolute loves this new challenge and feels so much stronger and fitter since starting.

After a lot of hard work from everyone involved Jemima’s para dressage journey really started to take shape. In 2021 Jemima was selected onto the World Class P3 programme which is a two year training programme which gives support and training to podium potential riders. Jemima was re-selected for the 2023/24 years and is loving every part of being on the programme and all it has to offer.

Jemima got married in 2021 and after that decided that they would relocate to Hampshire and moved her horses to Anna Miller. Jemima had met Anna a few times at shows and always thought her approach towards the sport was what Jemima wanted to be a part of. Although they have only worked together for the last couple of years they have been the most educational, rewarding and fun years that Jemima has had.

Jemima feels extremely lucky to be able to continue on the journey but just in a different direction. The sport of para dressage has been one of the biggest challenges, not only physically but mentally. Without the incredible support from her family and friends Jemima feels like she would not have got to where she has now, they have been there the entire time and are the biggest cheerleaders.

Jemima is committed to the sport and her horses and loves working hard towards her goals and seeing where this journey takes the team.