Dan Barnes
Dan, who grew up in Bedfordshire, started his riding career at 12 years old. His parents were aware of the area Dan was growing up in and encouraged him into horses to give him something to do, other than getting involved in the trouble in the area. He started through riding for a local dealer and then began buying and selling ponies himself. He was always given the naughty ponies from other people to ride. After trying all the disciplines, Dan knew his passion laid in show jumping, particularly in educating and producing young horses. At 22 years old, Dan decided to further his education by taking a job to work for Steven Whitaker. During his two years there he broke in and produced around 50 young horses, some of which have gone on to be at the very top of the sport. He then took all he’d learnt into his own set up and continued to ride and produce horses for owners for six years. During this time Dan competed up to 4* level, including jumping the famous Hickstead Speed Derby. After breaking his neck, for the second time, he took a break from horses. Five years later he decided to start again and has continued his passion with young and quirky horses.
-
Nikita (Kiki) – Tia
• 7yo mare (It’s Highlander VDK x Cardento)
• Training: 1.20m | Competing: 1.15m
• Sweet, willing, unique style.
• Goals: Competitive at 1.20m in 6 months.
Jambezi (Jimbo) – Tia
• 11yo stallion (Zambesi x Zirocco Blue)
• Training: 1.30m | Competing: 1.20m
• Flashy, kind, teaching her a lot.
• Goals: Competitive at 1.30m, jump 2* GCT.
Strides Best Friend (Phoebe) – Tia
• 10yo mare (VDL Douglas x Quabro B)
• Training: 1.30m | Competing: 1.20m
• Experienced GP mare, now teaching her.
• Goals: Competitive at 1.30m, 2* GCT.
BE Thanas (Max) – Tia
• 7yo gelding (Cornet Obolensky x Chamberton)
• Training: 1.20m | Competing: 1.10m
• From Ukraine, sensitive, comedic.
• Goals: Improve rideability, mental stability.
St Lucia (Lucy) – Dan
• 11yo mare (Baloubet du Rouet x Golden Graff)
• Training: 1.40m | Competing: 1.30m
• Energetic but talented.
• Goals: Jump 1.40m in 2026.
Unikat (UniCow) – Dan
• 6yo gelding (Utah van Erpekom x Baloubet du Rouet)
• Training/Competing: 1.30m
• Mature attitude, kind.
• Goals: Placings in 6yo finals in Spain, Young Horse Champs 2026.
Time to Escape (Morgan) – Dan & Tia
• 5yo mare (Escape Z x Chasseur I)
• Training: 1.20m | Competing: 1.10m
• Bold, spicy, independent.
• Goals: Improve loading, build foundation for 6yo season.
Just Call Me Peter (Pete)
• 6-month-old colt (Catoki x Bamako de Muze)
• Goals: Grow and develop with exciting future.
-
-
Met Oliva 2025
