Nick Gauntlett (GBR)

Discipline - Eventing

Hometown - Chipping Sodbury (GBR)

Number of years riding - 25

Main career accomplishments to date:

I would say that my best accomplishment would probably be from last year when I was presented with an Armada dish for 5 Badminton completions, something I am very proud of.

Tell us about your first horse/pony:

My first pony was called Gold Harvest and he was 14.2. When we went to see him his owner proudly told us she was breaking him to harness and he could now drag a tyre round the field! We learnt together and had a lot of fun - we slip collected at Badminton horse trials in 1992. We were never very good at dressage so did quite a lot of Show Jumping. When I eventually accepted that I was fast approaching my adult height of 6’4” and that I was too big for Harvey, we sold him to a family who carried on jumping him and Harvey then went on to represent Great Britain with several riders until quite recently.

How did you get started in your discipline?

The Beaufort Pony Club gave me the opportunity to follow my dreams of becoming an event rider by allowing me access to some of the best coaches in all three disciplines which really helped me on my way.

Mentor/Idol when growing up?

In 1992, Mary King won Badminton on King William. I was a mounted slip collector for the cross country course on my first horse Gold Harvest so I would have to say that seeing her success inspired me to improve and become a professional rider.

Proudest career moment?

I would think my proudest career moment would be being awarded the Fellowship of the BHS – something I am very proud of achieving.

You ride because?

I think anyone who rides would know it is a bit of an addiction! Riding also means I can have an amazing life style and am able to spend a lot of time with my family.

If you weren’t a professional rider, what would you be?

An Ariat model! Or an Architect, I designed and built our house and would love to do more.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

It would have to be New Zealand. Amanda and I went there for our Honeymoon.

How do you unwind?

To unwind I like to spend time with my wife Amanda and our two boys Henry and Arthur.

Do you have a good luck charm, if so what is it?

No, I don’t actually have a good luck charm but I do have a hugely supportive family and it’s great when they all come to events to support. They feel like my good luck charms!

Favourite Ariat product?

This is a really difficult question! There are so many products that are so well made and each fulfil their remit perfectly. But I do love the Conquest Boots for the support they give me when I am doing a lot of walking or on my feet all day and I am now a real convert to short boots and chaps. Before trying the Devon Pro’s I used to always ride at home in my competition boots.