My BE life: Saffie Osborne

The champion event rider and jockey shares her favourite memories, toughest moments and how she’s fitter and stronger than ever after last year’s fall

My first riding memory

I grew up surrounded by racehorses and ponies, so I was on a pony before I could walk. My brother and I would go around the village on our ponies, jumping anything we could find.

My favourite eventing memory

Winning The Pony European Championships was incredible. Being at Bishop Burton with my family and Little Indian Feather’s owners, Lord and Lady Blyth, made it really special. It was my last event on ponies and she really meant so much to so many people, especially my family, so it was a fairy-tale ending to her story, from rescue pony to European champion.

My toughest moment

I had a bad fall racing at Windsor in October 2020 and broke my arm, dislocated my elbow and wrist, broke several ribs and punctured my lung, as well as being knocked unconscious. I went from not having a spare minute to not being able to get out of bed without help. I was in Oaksey House (Injured Jockeys Fund) for five days a week from November. Their care was unbelievable and I’m now fitter and stronger than ever.

My best achievement

Winning five European Youth Championship medals.

My plans for the future

My main aim is challenging for the Apprentice Jockeys Championship this year. My focus for Archie (Lakantus) is to be selected for the Young Rider European Championships, as well as stepping up to 4* level.