Name: Hayley Watson-Greaves
Location: Gloucestershire, UK
Discipline: Dressage
We chatted with Hayley to find out more about her horses, career and ambitions…
Beginnings
Riding since she was three years old, Hayley has competed in a wide range of disciplines from being on the English Team for Working Hunter Pony to winning the Senior Eventing Trials aged 11. She turned to dressage to help her eventing career and loved it so much she gave up eventing to focus on the dressage. Hayley worked for Jane Gregory nee Bredin in all the school holidays and with her help, trained a young naughty pony to FEI Pony European level. Through the years in ponies, Hayley had a very successful career as a runner up in Talent Spotting, winning the Pony Derby two years running, competing on the Pony International team in Ireland to win both individual and team gold, 3rd at Hickstead CDIP and reserve for the Europeans Pony Team.
What is the highlight of your career to date?
Being selected as reserve for the Rio Olympics 2016, winning the National Championships 2017, competing in the World Cup Final 2018 and bringing on my horses from backing to Grand Prix.
Can you share your best advice with us?
Follow your dreams, hardwork and dedication make them a reality.
What are your goals for the future?
To compete on the European Team 2019, Olympic selection 2020. I also want to bring on more top horses and aim for top International and Team competitions.
Tell us about your horses
Rubins Nite aka Squeaky: 15yo black gelding, competing at International Grand Prix. British Dressage National Champion 2017, reserve for Rio Olympics 2016, competed at the World Cup finals in Paris 2018.
Hezzel aka Hector: 7yo chestnut gelding, currently training at Prix St George level, will compete at this level this year, star for the future!
Jivaro: 5yo black gelding. Backed last year, being slowly bought on, will compete this year.
Feels Like Gold aka Flame: 3yo currently being backed.
What’s most important to you when you’re buying a horse?
Trainability, conformation, interaction with me and paces.
What are your favourite Shires Equestrian products?
ARMA Boots range, Shires rugs, and headcollars.
Keep up-to-date with Hayley and her horses here: