About Helen Dunning

Name: Helen Dunning
D.O.B.: 02/09/1992
Height: 5'7"
Trainers: Ewart Woolley
Role Models: Piggy French, Pippa Funnell

Best acheivment to date:

Bramham Under 25 Champion 2011 and winning the Pro Am Pairs with Caroline Powell.  Winning Gatcombe CIC** 2010, Junior European Championships Bad Segeberg 2010, Individual 10th Pony Europeans 2008 Avenches, Blenheim Palace 2010 double clear.  Winning the BYEH at Bramham on Bally Finnegan, a horse I bought and produced myself which was a lovely feeling. 

Life time ambition:

To compete on an Olympic Team, 2 gold medals would be nice but maybe too much to wish for, to win at Badminton.

Most memorable equestrian experience:

There have been so many, some good and some bad, but to date it has to be the utterly exhilarating feeling across country at Bramham and crossing the finish line knowing we had gone clear inside the time.  At 18 years old having the experience and opportunity to do that is awesome.

In what year did your sponsorship start:

2011.

How did your sponsorship come about?

After winning the Albion Prize at Bramham for best under 21 rider.

Why did you choose to work with Albion?

I have used Albion Saddles since my pony days in 2006 and I have always felt the jump saddles provide maximum balance and support for my lower leg, as well as giving my horses comfort and freedom.  The after service and attention to detail has been impressive.

What is your favourite Albion product and why?

The KB Bridle because they look elegant and provide maximum comfort for the horse.

When /why did you first start riding?

At the age of two, because my mum had horses so she bought me a Shetland pony named Humphrey so I could ride too.

Best advice given:

"The best things in life are always worth waiting for, so be patient and don't give up".

Likes:

Rafael Nadal, watching any sport really, our two Dorset down sheep, my three sausage dogs, all my wonderful horses and support team.