Name: Simon Grieve
Age: 32
Based in: Leicestershire
Sport: Eventing
Level: Professional, BE90 – CCI4*
Career highlights to date: Top Foundation Points Winner of 2012. Simon has completed both Burghley and Pau CCI4*s twice each.
The journey to pro level: Simon took up riding as a toddler and after joining the Pony Club at the tender age of five, worked his way up to compete in the Pony Club Championships at Sansaw in 1998. At 18, Simon left school and spent a year working in Debbie and Patrick Edmundson’s competition and dealing yard in Suffolk. During this time, he competed the advanced event mare Ashdale Cover Girl with whom he was short listed for the Young Rider European Championships in 2001. Following a move to Leicestershire, Simon worked as stable jockey for an Irish showjumper and then as second rider to event rider Sarah Cohen. In 2006, Simon took the plunge and set up on his own as a freelance rider.
Current team: Simon has 15 horses in work at his Tilton on the Hill base. His top ride and best buddy is Cornacrew (aka Bozzie). He has helped Simon achieve things he didn’t dare dream possible. Simon has some lovely horses coming through from BE90 to Advanced level with some fantastic and loyal owners supporting his efforts.
Follow Simon:
@SimonjGrieve (twitter)
www.simongrieve.com (website)
In the press: Watch Simon talk about positive cross country riding and overcoming nerves at Burghley 2014 here.