Gemma started riding at the age of 18 months (as her mother had a riding school), and by the time she was 8 had won the riding club junior (U17) dressage championship and her first one day event!

Gemma’s talents were spotted by the selectors, and she was chosen to be put on the lottery-funded ‘World Class Development programme’. This is a lottery funded training scheme aimed to support up and coming athletes who show potential as future olympic candidates. The World Class Programme have been supporting Gemma for the last 13 years.

Gemma progressed rapidly, campaigning successfully in pony trials and being selected to be part of the Junior British team. This was a stepping stone to representing Great Britain at Young Rider level which she did for 2 consecutive years, winning two team Gold medals

In 2007 Gemma made her first serious foray into senior level eventing by completing both Badminton and Burghley.
2014 was a good year for Gemma with more results leading to selection as a reserve for the World Equestrian Games. She was not called upon for the team so finished her season with 5th place at Burghley CCI****

In 2015 Chico Bella who won the CIC3* at Burgham and Quicklook  was 5th in her first CCI3* at Tattersalls, qualifying her for the 2016 Olympics.

In June, 2016, Chico Bella placed first at Bramham CIC***, finishing on her dressage score of 42.7.

Chico Bella P is Oldenburg branded, but she is in fact 3/4 Holsteiner, 1/4 Thoroughbred. She is by Chico’s Boy (Holst) out of Compita, who is by the Holsteiner Carolus, out of a Thoroughbred mare by Lombard xx.