Year 11 student Mimi Woodliffe sat down with us to discuss her equestrian journey and her successful year.

How long have you been at Millfield?

“I joined Millfield Prep in the middle of Year 6, and I am currently taking my GCSE'S in Latin, French, History, P.E and Music, as well as English, Maths and the Science. I joined Millfield because of all of the opportunities that were presented in sport and music.”

How and why did you get into horse riding?

“I was three years old when I started riding and haven’t stopped since! My mum rode as a child and thought I might enjoy it. I first started eventing through the Pony Club when I was nine on my tiny and opinionated pony, Misti, because I loved the thrill of cross country and the adrenaline rush that came with it.”

What have been your highlights over the past few years in competition?

“This year, I was extremely fortunate to go to the British Eventing International Youth Championships at Bishop Burton, having been selected to represent the South West through many qualifying competitions, as well as competing for school at Hickstead in the National Schools Equestrian Association Elite show jumping competition.

In 2023, I became the NSEA 100 Three Day eventing champion and my horse, called Natty, and I won the Under 25’s Pony Club International Alliance show jumping competition out of five competing nations.”

What do you enjoy about the Millfield Equestrian programme?

“I am on the Home Rider programme but am still included in all the activities and competitions. I am very grateful for the opportunity to study for my BHS exams, as well as training at the amazing facilities. The coaches are hugely supportive and very knowledgeable and it’s a great help to have them at competitions."

What else do you do at Millfield besides Equestrian?

“I am a Middle School Leader, I play the oboe (and I am working towards my grade 7 this term) and am part of the main Orchestra and a chamber group; I sing (working towards my grade 6) as well as being a member of Camerata and Millfield Singers and a regular performer in different concerts.  In addition, I am an athlete who competes in Combined Events (heptathlon) with my favourite event being the hurdles.”

How do you balance your school work alongside your riding and other commitments?

“Luckily my parents help me with the horses at home, and I make sure that I keep on top of my academic study and prep.  I’m in my GCSE year and so I am thankful to be able to ride and run to keep a healthy balance with revision.  My teachers are aware of how busy I am and are extremely supportive.”

What are your sporting hopes for the future?

“I am thinking about studying Medicine at University, but I am still keen to ride and compete at a high level. A number of professional Eventers have balanced university and riding at the top level and have inspired me to train hard and work hard academically. Ultimately I would love to aim for the young rider Europeans in a few years.”

What are you working towards in the next season/upcoming competitions?

“I am hoping to step up a level in eventing but firstly, I need to find a new horse.  I would like to take part in my first FEI competitions, represent the South West in the 2* at the international youth Championships and return to Hickstead for the Elite show jumping."

What is your training schedule?

“I ride as frequently as I can, coming into school once a week for a lesson. I also have lessons outside of school and I go to the gallops for fitness work.  In addition, I train for athletics year-round three / four times a week.  My strength and conditioning gym sessions twice a week are hugely beneficial to both riding and athletics. On top of this, I do regular music practice, and coupled with my prep and revision, I’m never bored!  I’m so thankful that Millfield can facilitate all that I enjoy and support me.”