Name: Rosa Onslow
Location: Scottish Borders, UK
Discipline: Eventing
We chatted with Rosa to find out more about her horses, career and ambitions…
Beginnings
With horsey parents, Rosa Onslow grew up around ponies, first getting into the saddle aged one on her Shetland Pony, Oberon. By the time she was six, Rosa was an active member of the Duke of Buccleuch’s Pony Club, representing them in teams. Rosa also started hunting from an early age, inspiring her love of riding cross country.
What is the highlight of your career to date?
I think it was coming 6th in the CCI3* at Camphire International in Ireland, which was a WEG trial for the Irish and New Zealand teams, so I was up against the best. I think Tim Price wondered who I was at the prize giving! I am also very proud that I was selected to compete in the ERM Championships at Blair International in 2018 on RLE Limbo Kaiser. At 19 years old, I was the youngest competitor in the competition.
Can you share your best advice with us?
If you are competing at the top level, you have to trust your horse, and they have to trust you. It is teamwork that has built up over the years which creates this trust.
What are your goals for the future?
I would love to compete at 5* level (Burghley and Badminton). I am also aiming for the Olympics. In 2019, I am still eligible for the GB Young Rider Team, so I shall be trying for this on both my horses.
Tell us about your horses
I have two horses at 4* level and one young horse:
RLE Limbo Kaiser: 12 years old and is qualified for 5*. We bought him as a 6 year old and I have brought him up through the levels from BE100. He is a thoroughbred, so is very fast on the XC phase.
Diamond Sundance: 13 years old and we bought him as a 5 year old. My mother competed him up to CCI2* – S level before I took on the ride. He is 17hh and has a huge stride, so covers the ground with ease.
Crispy: 5 years old and he will be aimed at young horse classes, hopefully the 5 year old British championships. I am very excited about his future as he seems to have all the attributes to make a top class event horse.
What’s most important to you when you’re buying a horse?
A trainable brain. They must like people and want to work with and please you. We also play close attention to conformation and breeding.
What are your favourite Shires Equestrian products?
The whole range of quality and stylish products, offering everything you need in a high level eventing yard. We currently use Shires rugs, headcollars, brushing boots, turnout boots, overreach boots, grooming kit, bridle wear and whips. The list goes on…..
Keep up-to-date with Rosa and her horses here: