Competitor Interviews – Fiona Maynard

Friday & Saturday: 2^nd Grade IV 2*/3^rd Grade IV

Sunday:  2nd Grade IV 2*

Former Bishop Burton College student Fiona Maynard enjoyed a particularly successful outing at the Bishop Burton College CPEDI 2*/Y/J after taking second place in the Grade IV 2* team and individual tests, securing third in the 2* overall, and coming 2^nd in the Grade IV Freestyle test on Commanding Officer.

Fiona, who comes from York left the College four years ago and was impressed by the changes.

“The facilities are fantastic. I’m really impressed and it’s been fantastic, well-run competition.

“It was a tough Grade IV competition but I’m really pleased with how it went.”

 Fiona is partnered by 16-year-old Commanding Officer or ‘Hercy’ as he is known on the yard.

Fiona said: “We’ve been together for about four years and he’s a very happy horse.

“He absolutely loves his job and really wants to win. He will try his heart out for me. He’s not getting any younger though so this might be his last International.”

Fiona competes at Grade IV level as she suffers from Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that causes progressive vision loss.

During her tests Fiona uses a system called ‘living letters’; where a member of her team is able to enter the arena with her and call out the letters as she approaches them.

She is currently on the Regional Foundation Squad and trains with Eric Mackechnie and has competed at many National and International events.

“I started riding at the age of four,” said Fiona. “I was just going to riding schools and having lessons and it wasn’t until I was about fourteen that I got my first pony.

“I was diagnosed with Stargardt’s at about nine years old and my sight really started to deteriorate rapidly from the age of 13 or 14.

“I went along to the RDA and discovered I had a talent for dressage and it went from there.”

Fiona cites getting her degree, winning last year’s Inter Regional Competition at Millfield, competing in the Advanced Medium Regionals, as well as a Prix St George competition as her proudest achievements.

Fiona currently shares a yard in Stillington near York with her friend Nicky Smith where she breaks and trains horses.

Fiona Maynard and Commanding Officer