Spotlight on one of our Team – Teri England
Many will know our Training and Events Coordinator, Teri England, a core member of the BARTA team. Teri recently underwent major life changing surgery. During her time away from work the team rallied, but it was clear the critical role she plays in supporting our first responders to be best equipped to deal with people and animals in emergencies. We are really glad that Teri is on the mend and back in the saddle from 2 perspectives!
Her love for her horses and the drive to be back competing has really helped her recovery and we wanted to share a recent success story which was published on the British Dressage website, entitled, Combined Training Qualifiers: journeys of determinations.
This is an insight into the challenges that Teri has faced recently and overcome with real determination, with her permission we wanted to share her story with you.
As the 2025 Red Gorilla Combined Training qualifiers have drawn to a close, we caught up with three inspiring riders who with their wonderful equine partners have earned their tickets to the Championships, which is fast approaching at Weston Lawns Equestrian (10–11 May).
After a journey that has tested her resilience, Teri England’s achievements at Northallerton Equestrian Centre were all the more remarkable. Competing with her two horses, Teri claimed three impressive wins across the Elementary & 80cm and 90cm Combined Training classes aboard Coady Bay Logic, as well as the Novice & 80cm with Harlow Carr.
Teri’s reaction to her results was one of disbelief and pride. “I was flabbergasted! … it was a bit emotional for me – I’d done it. I could still do what I love.”
Both horses jumped two clear rounds – a particularly special milestone given it was Teri’s first time jumping since undergoing major surgery in September 2024. “I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be brave enough to ride again,” she admits. Following an eight-hour robotic procedure to treat cancer, Teri had to turn the horses away and focus on a 12-week recovery programme. Her body felt more vulnerable, especially to a fall, and she described feeling as though her core strength had vanished. “But my medical team kept telling me how well I’d recovered – probably because I was fit beforehand and determined to get back. And I really missed my horses.”
Setting her sights on the Combined Training series gave her a positive focus. “I chose to do the Combined Training to see if I could still do what I loved,” she explained. “It fell on a date when we were all ready and fit enough – well, the horses were! – and it became my first competition with my new, changed body and appendage. I also need something to aim for, so the Combined Training ticked that box.”
The team at Northallerton helped make the return extra special. “The Northallerton team are so friendly. They make you feel at ease to enjoy the day – and that’s so important!”
Teri’s journey with her two horses has spanned a decade, marked by ups, downs and a few heartfelt reunions. “I actually sold Logic, but shortly after, he broke his splint bone in a cross-country accident, so he came home,” she explained. “I swore he would never leave again. Luckily, he recovered and even won his first competition back after the incident.
“Harlow Carr took me round the Badminton Grassroots Championships, but unfortunately, I had to sell him to help pay for my divorce. However, he didn’t settle in his new home and became a completely different horse, so he came home too and I said he’d never leave again either. I found the divorce money elsewhere!
“So, the boys and I are family and stuck with each other. We’ve all been on a life journey together, and they’ve helped me through the toughest time of my life to date.”
Alongside a full-time role with British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care, Teri maintains a consistent and thoughtful training routine. “I’m a big believer in listening to your horse and offering variety – hacking and training whilst hacking, as well as schooling in the arena. Stretching the horse’s body and mind is key, and good massage sessions with Hannah Drury are a must. They live out 24/7 if they can.”
She credited her ability to continue training to a team of brilliant coaches, in particular Ann Bostock for flatwork and Michael Potter for show jumping, whom she trains with regularly. Support from her close circle also made a difference. “I had my fabulous friend Liz Young and my partner, Simon Frost, holding my hand on the days my body didn’t play ball or I had a ‘life’ blip!”
For the full story talking about all three journeys of determinations, please go to the: British Dressage Website Story
