2019 was the most successful year of Chris’ career to date with him earning his Union Jack flag on his jacket with an individual place representing Great Britain at the Combined Pony Driving World Championships at Kisber Azsar in Hungary where he finished in 21st place.
Chris got his passion for carriage driving through his grandparents who enjoyed competing throught the 1980’s and 90’s. He used to go to competitions with them from a young age and very quickly became determined to follow them into the sport.
He started to compete aged 12 at club level and was quickly successful, at 14 years of age competed at national novice events.
At 17 years old he competed at national open level with a young horse he’d produced from a three year old, although no major wins he held his own at senior level amongst the countries best single horse drivers.
Since then Chris’ career has continued to grow, there have been some quieter periods due to time spent building a business and a base to support his competition career. During this time Chris has been fortunate to train with a number of successful drivers and horse people, he has developed a structured training system to develop horses through to the top of the sport.
With good training facilities, an established business and 20 years of competition experience he looks forward to continuing to compete internationally for many years to come.
Most Notable Achievements
Year Horse Achievement
2002 Fulford Misty Novice National Championship 6th place
2005 Tinovo Open National Championship 6th place
2005 Holgar Lady Megan Junior National Championship 1st place
2013 Padrig Bridegroom Open Pony Indoor National Champion
2014 Padrig Bridegroom Open pony Indoor National Champion
2015 Carregcoch Keltic Rose CAI Samur France 5th place
2015 Carregcoch Keltic Rose Reserve for the British Team
2019 Penwarne Banjo Boy CAI 3* Liseux France 5th place
2019 Penwarne Banjo Boy World Championship, Kisber Azsar Hungary 21st place
2019 Penwarne Banjo Boy World Championship, Kisber Azsar 9th place in the cones
Facilities
At Thompson House Equestrian Centre we are fortunate to have excellent facilities for training and to look after the horses in our care including;
40×27 metre Indoor Arena
60×30 metre Outdoor Arena
Grass Training Field & Dressage Arena
Cones Course
Solid Obstacles
Off Road Farm Tracks
On Site Veterinary Practice
Ample Grass Turnout
All Weather Turnout Pens and Shelters
Sponsorship
We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from our sponsors which helps us to continue to train and compete.
Baileys Horse Feeds–Chris has worked with the Baileys Horse Feeds team for 8 years and truly believes in the benefits of their system and products, the horses and ponies have never looked or performed so well since being fed on Baileys. www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
LM Therapy- a physiotherapy company that works with Chris to help him stay in the best physical shape to with stand the rigours of yard work, training and competing. Chris says ‘it’s a physically demanding job and Luke’s support helps me to continue to perform at my best’.www.lm-therapy.com
To continue to grow in the sport Chris is keen to explore other options such as competing horses owned by others and developing syndicates like in other equestrian disciplines.
Ownership and Syndicates are a great opportunity for like minded people to enjoy being a highly valued part of the team and to enjoy the sport at elite level. It’s exciting to watch a horse’s journey from novice through to seeing how far he can go in the sport. Being a part of the team also opens up avenues to travel to some of the most prestigious events in the UK and around Europe.
For more information on Sponsorship, Product Endorsements, Ownership and Syndicates and to discuss options to suit you then please contact Chris on 01257 422 618 or info@thompsonhouseequestriancentre.co.uk