DG | equine | About Me

About Me

Hello, my name is Rachel Simpson! As you can see to the right my equestrian ambitions started at a very young age! I wanted to follow in my mums steps and loved our trips off to British Eventing competitions, although it was going to take me a while to grow into that hat and jacket! I couldn't have achieved what I have today without the help of my mum, and I know I am biased but we work incredibly well as a team supporting each other and most importantly of all, having lots of fun along the way!

I live in the Lake district, just on the outskirts of Keswick, and have done all my life. I was educated at the local primary schools, Brigham, St Kentigerns, and Trinity C of E School. I then went on to study for my GCSE's and A-levels at Keswick Secondary School.

Throughout my education I flourished in the more practical subjects, such as art and design. I not only enjoyed drawing and painting, but also model making. I have experience in product, graphic and textile design as well as a wide knowledge of a variety of artistic mediums.

I have now completed my Graphic Design Degree at the University of Cumbria (Formerly Cumbria Institute of the Arts) gaining a 2:1.

(Aged 2 1/2, 1991, at a BE prize giving with mum)

I am an active member of my local pony club, The Cumberland Foxhounds, which has enabled me to gain my full 'B' test and pass the Lunging exam. I am currently working towards my 'A' Test, the highest accolade in the Pony Club. I have been the members representative for my Pony Club up until October 2010, when I stepped down due to my return to University. I was the member that other members could approach with feedback about our club activities. I then took this feedback to the monthly committee meetings. I also ran the Cumberland Foxhound Pony Club website to try to encourage our large number of members to interact with each other and keep the family atmosphere as our club got nearer 100 members. Through working with the Pony Club I have also been CRB checked for working with children.

(Pony Club Mounted Games Zone Area's- riding Paddy)

(Pony Club Mounted Games Zone Final- riding Robin)

Through being an active member of the Cumberland Foxhound Branch of the Pony Club and have ridden on all the area teams including the Mounted Games Prince Philip Cup team, Area Eventing, Show jumping and Dressage teams, and also competed in Area Tetrathlon.

I have an extensive experience of equine disciplines and aim to continue with this variety as I believe a varied routine really benefits our horses and ponies. I can be seen competing in British Eventing one weekend and then racing doing mounted games on another pony the next week! At Cherry Bank we thrive on variety!

My greatest achievements to date on my pony of a lifetime, Winneydene Bucks Fizz include Supreme Working Hunter Pony of the Year Ponies UK Summer Championships, 2004, 10th Open 153cm Working Hunter Pony at the Horse of the Year Show 2004 and 13th in 2006. Not to mention countless wins and championships at places such as the Royal Lancashire Show, Cumberland County, Westmorland County, NCPA Pony of the Year and in the Burghley Event Pony Competition. I have also had consistent successful placings at the BSPS and P(UK) Championship Shows.

(Learning to vault on Robin, aged 12)

(Pony Club Camp, Greenlands EC- aged 11, riding Roscoe)

I had a quiet few years (2006-2009) whilst I had been focusing on my Graphic Design degree. I have just finished my year out studying for equestrian exams. I passed my BHS Stage III exam in May 2010 and my BHS PTT in August. I have also recently passed the BHS Equine Specific First Aid course.

(P(UK) Summer Championships- Supreme Working Hunter of the Year 2004, Winneydene Bucks Fizz)

(Burghley Event Pony Final, Burghley- Winneydene Bucks Fizz 5th)

I have just completed a one year PGCE in Primary School Education at the University of Cumbria in order to become a qualified primary school teacher. I have passed with 'Grade 1: Outstanding' and secured a part time contract in my final placement school to begin September 2011. This allows me ton continue my equine coaching and commission art. I am incredibly excited about what the future holds!

m: 07731 583 403 e: rach@daisygirlequine.com

Miss R Simpson,Cherry Bank, Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4PY