Dorothy Matthews.
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| @S D Matthews | ||
Dorothy Bodle
Born the youngest of four daughters I started riding in 1984 at a local riding school in Exning. Was fortunate enough to ride a large number of different horses including ex racehorses, and event horses during this period. I then went to University and studied Biochemistry, Physiology and Nutrition of Farm Animals graduating with a BSc (Hons). While at University I played polo for three years at Checkendon Equestrian Centre. Upon graduation I went to work at the Animal Health Trust for a year and during this period was riding Charlotte Bathes Eventers on weekends. I then moved to a government funded research institute near Cambridge. At this point I was given my first horse a grey thoroughbred just out of training. Unfortunately things did not go as planned and he had to be put down within a few months due to a brain tumour.
As I had a broken collar bone at this time I took a bit of time off from horses and in the new year purchased Snoopy. Not long after purchasing Snoopy I was asked by a friend if they could borrow him for a team ride at Cirencester as they were putting together a TB team for their FEI Endurance Rides sponsors, Tattersalls, to compete in a team challenge ride as a thank you. I agreed to lend Snoopy for this ride. The day before the team competition I saw my first ever 100 mile ride finish, I was amazed and hooked from that point on.
My Crew.
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| @S D Matthews | ||
My Crew
My crew is a bit camera shy hence the photo is of the crew vehicle. Steve is fairly new to crewing and horses with 2005 being his second season but he is great as I never have to ask him twice to do anything. I feel that now we are all starting to work as a smooth team. His real star qualities are that he always stays calm and is great at letting me know where I am in placed in the field and in relation to riders in front.