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Sasha was born in 1975 in Northern Ireland and grew up with her 4 brothers and sisters on an egg farm. Summers were spent at pony club and it was here that Sasha first caught the horse bug and fell in love with riding. She took up eventing when she was 15 and her first horse was called Ginger Diamond. He was so clever, he and Sasha were selected for numerous junior and young rider European Championships and Sasha readily admits it was this very special horse that taught her so much and gave her such confidence. He even won her a gold medal at the young rider European Champ’s!
Having been on countless teams and been a previous winner of the coveted Badminton Horse Trials, Rodney Powell (a British Squad member) had all the knowledge and experience to help Sasha on her way to winning and so 10 Years were spent based at Manor Farm in Wiltshire competing and enjoying eventing with her squad  of horses. Basing in England gave Sasha the opportunity to compete against the best riders in the world riding over the most beautiful courses in parkland around England's wonderful estates such as Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House, Burghley House, Thirlestane Castle, Belton, Bramham etc. Those memories are very precious and the feeling of galloping down "Winners Lane" at Burghley is one that she will treasure forever. Happy Times.
Having been one of the younger members of the Irish teams, Sasha proved she was able to cope with the pressure and standard required at world class level. She was selected for World Championships, numerous European's and 2 Olympics (Sydney and Athens). The ups and downs we all experience in eventing were apparent of course and when her team horse "All Love Du Fenaud" went lame 2 days before take off to Sydney, Sasha's Olympic dream was shattered. There were lots of tears shed then but like all jockeys she got back in the saddle and strived for the next opportunity and was thrilled to represent Ireland at Athens 2004.
Sasha's maintains that despite a disciplined routine, very hard work and professional outlook, the key to success is a happy string of horses. "I am known amongst friends and family for being slightly over competitive but i honestly believe a horse and rider who enjoy each other and their sport is what really matters. The reason I love dressage so much now is that I love to feel part of the horse, a complete partnership where riding becomes almost telepathic."
Sasha's hobbies include cooking, eating, wine, skiing.... although since becoming a mummy of twins mimi and finn in 2008, there hasn't been much spare time for hobbies. She absolutely loves being a mum and readily admits to being "completely addicted" to the babies! Sasha never travels to any competition without her rather scruffy but trusty mascot "piglit". She would have achieved none of the success at all without the amazing support from her parents Derek and Pat (Del and Freedom) and her fab husband Andre. This portable fan club travel to as many competitions as possible to cheer Sasha on!
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