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Welcoming my latest Sponsored Rider: Gemma Butcher
(December 31, 2025)Welcoming My Latest Sponsored Rider: Gemma Butcher
I am delighted to welcome Gemma Butcher as a new sponsored rider to the SJE Team.
A little back story about Gemma:
Gemma’s love for horses began at the age of 10 while living in Germany, where her first riding lesson was at the local pony club on a Shetland called Cinderella. She rode weekly, attended pony club camp and completed her D Test before returning to England aged 12/13.
Back in the UK, Gemma joined a local riding school in Exelby, where she spent every weekend working in exchange for rides. It was here she was loaned her first pony, a cob called Bandit, with whom she tried her hand at BSJA (with plenty of fun along the way – including a memorable round where a stirrup fell off mid-course!). These early years cemented Gemma’s passion for horses and riding.
After leaving the riding school, Gemma rode a variety of ponies for a close friend, including Topper, Shadow, Max and Suzie. Together they enjoyed show jumping at Northallerton, cross-country at Camphill, hacking adventures and plenty of great memories. Gemma then went on to study for a National Diploma in Horse Management, continuing to ride alongside her studies.
Her professional experience includes six years working as a stud groom, showing horses at a high level and gaining experience across racehorse, Dartmoor and Miniature Shetland studs. During this time, Gemma finally purchased her first pony of her own – a Mini Shetland called Angus, who enjoyed in-hand showing and causing general mischief, followed later by Buddy, a companion pony.
In 2011, Gemma bought Bart as a just-turned two-year-old. With careful backing and plenty of hacking, they built a strong partnership. Once Bart was moved closer to home and Gemma gained access to a rebuilt trailer, they were able to start getting out and about competing. Together they’ve enjoyed show jumping, pleasure rides (where Bart firmly believes he’s a racehorse!), low-level ODEs, and in 2021 completed their very first BE80.
Their partnership has continued to grow, with highlights including 1st place in their section at a RECs Unaffiliated ODE in 2024. After a challenging period and a significant confidence knock, Gemma has refocused her goals. With Bart turning 16 in 2026 and still full of enthusiasm, the plan is to concentrate on enjoying their journey together and building on everything they’ve achieved so far.
I am so proud to support Gemma and I hope you all look forward to following her continued partnership with Bart.