What are the best and worst Christmas presents you’ve ever received?
The best has to be when Mam and Dad got me my first Rambo rug. This was long before I was working in Horseware, but I’d been eyeing it for a while. There was always something else that needed to be bought so the money wasn’t there. I was a few years asking before I finally got my hands on one. But boy was the wait worth it! I’ve since bought lots more, but I still have the original going strong.
The worst has to be when I got a shavings fork. To be fair it was something I needed, but not as a Christmas present!
If money was no object what would be your dream gift that you like to see under the tree on Christmas morning?
I’m not too fussy really, just a new, small, six-horse lorry with push-out living would do me.
What’s the worst Christmas cracker joke you’ve ever heard?
Why did the pony need to gargle?
Because it was a little horse.
Any new tear’s resolutions?
Not so much a resolution but a goal, In 2020 the World Endurance Championships will be held in Pisa and I am just a couple of good rides away from Qualifying so keep your fingers crossed for me!
If money was no object what would be your dream gift that you like to see under the tree on Christmas morning?
A day with David Attenborough.
What’s the worst Christmas cracker joke you’ve ever heard?
Which cheese do horses like to hide behind?
Masc-a-pony
Any new year’s resolutions?
Same as every year, give up chocolate (It’s very easy as I don’t like chocolate anyway!)
What are the best and worst Christmas presents you’ve ever received?
The best would be my first horse (leased) called Barney. A big shire type... I was 10!
The worst is a wheelbarrow! Practical and much appreciated but not exactly romantic!
If money was no object what would be your dream gift that you like to see under the tree on Christmas morning?
An indoor arena.
What’s the worst Christmas cracker joke you’ve ever heard?
I’m a positive person so here’s a good one: Why did the pony have to gargle?
Because he was a little horse!
Any new year’s resolutions?
Advertise my coaching and organise clinics.
What are the best and worst Christmas presents you’ve ever received?
That’s a tough one because any gift is a lovely thought to get! But my best Christmas present would be my first bike as a child. The worst is bubble bath – I have no time to take baths so the bubble bath just accumulates, shower only kind of gal!
If money was no object what would be your dream gift that you like to see under the tree on Christmas morning?
I don’t actually have a dream gift in mind – I’m happy with all I have – but if someone wanted to give me a gift to fly business class for the rest of my travels I wouldn’t say no!
What’s the worst Christmas cracker joke you’ve ever heard?
What’s a horses favourite TV show?
Neigh...bours
Any new year’s resolutions?
To be kind to everyone in every situation good or bad. And to get fitter, of course!
Aine O'Connor, amateur jockey and recruitment officer at RACE
What are the best and worst Christmas presents you’ve ever received?
It was probably last year, I kept dropping hints that I wanted a puppy. I was riding in Wincanton on St. Stephen's day so I spent Christmas in England and I insisted I couldn’t wait until I came back for my present so I asked could I get it before I left. I got handed a box with a bow and pulled it apart thinking “my poor puppy must be smothering in there”, to my disappointment it was a handbag. It was a lovely bag but not a puppy. When I arrived back from England a few days later there was a chubby Labrador named Joey waiting for me, he was the best present.
If money was no object what would be your dream gift that you like to see under the tree on Christmas morning?
God this is a tough one, once my family and friends are healthy and happy I have everything I want. But if you really pushed me, the winning Euromillions ticket would be nice.
What's the worst Christmas Cracker Joke you've ever heard?
What did Santa do when he went speed dating? He pulled a cracker!
Any New Year's resolutions?
I have a serious lack of will power and I say it every year to only last five hours but I’m going to try cut down on chocolate and sweets. I eat far too much of both.