Meet Ruby Hughes

We had an awesome interview with dressage rider Ruby Hughes!

We spoke to Ruby Hughes about all things dressage! Ruby is super popular on social media and is attending all three dates of the PONY Mag Live Tour! Don’t miss her amazing book, Ruby Hughes and her Dancing Ponies!

What is your background with ponies?

I started riding at home for fun on a loan pony, but I started vaulting at the age of 8 and went on to compete at the European Vaulting Championships when I was 11 years old. Both my parents are international dressage riders and I switched to dressage when I was 12. I was lucky to be offered the ride on a fabulous pony called Hilkens Showgirl who I competed at the European Championships!

Who was your first pony?

I had a pony on loan called Bramble

Have you ever done showjumping?

Not much and definitely not enough!

What was your fave thing about vaulting?

I made so many friends and we had so much fun!

What is your fave thing about dressage?

The communication and the relationship you build with your horse

How do you choose your dressage music?

I start by thinking of my horse’s character and try to match the music to his personality!

How do you deal with competition day nerves?

I avoid distractions and watch training videos to get my focus on point before getting on

Who’s your fave celeb rider?

Carl Hester is amazing!

If you could pick any horse in the world to ride, who would you choose?

I’d love to feel Glamourdale’s extended canter!

What would your top three pieces of advice be for someone just starting out in dressage?

Find yourself a great trainer, don’t overlook the basics and remember to have fun!

What is your best tip for sitting trot?

Lots of lunge lessons with no stirrups!

How many horses do you have at the moment?

I have 2 that I am training myself and I occasionally pinch one of my parent’s rides!

What is your top riding goal?

To train my own horse to Grand Prix

What’s your most embarrassing horsey moment?

Thankfully nothing too embarrassing jumps to mind!

What is your best horsey memory?

Riding bareback in the snow doing 1x tempi changes on a horse I had on loan called Hughie!

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?

You’ve got to break a few eggs to make a cake!

What’s your fave part of the PONY Mag Live Tour?

Meeting and chatting to everyone! I am a bit of a chatterbox so it’s great fun!

Follow Ruby on Instagram and YouTube.

Book your tickets to meet Ruby at PONY Magazine Live Tour