The will to win
From a tiny island in the Irish Sea to being the world’s best eventer, Yasmin Ingham was always competitive. Equestrian sport demands you put everything you’ve got into it, and then some. As Yasmin says, “My drive, determination, and guts to give it my all, has been a big part of my success.” Always at peace with animals, she started riding as a tiny tot in-hand. Watching the London 2012 Olympics lit the fire in her belly to come out on top, and team and individual gold at the European Pony Championships in 2013 soon followed, riding Craig Mor Tom.
Barriers to entry
From her base on the Isle of Man, the challenges of commuting to competitions were many, for both her and her supportive mum, Lesley Ingham. “It’s not been easy,” reflects Lesley. “Logistics, ferries, getting to where she needs to be in the weather window.” But success soon followed. “The success was a bonus,” Lesley admits. “I feel incredibly lucky to have been through the experience and wouldn’t change it for the world.”
A special bond
Enter the late Sue Davies, owner of champion horse Banzai du Loir, and her daughter Janette Chinn, who took the 16-year-old Yasmin onto their Cheshire yard to ride their string of competition horses – and subsequently, into their hearts. “I knew it was very difficult for Yasmin to leave her family unit – in essence, I became foster mum. But that’s one of the things I love about her – she wants things to happen, and she’s made things happen,” says Janette. Sue was instrumental to Yasmin’s development. “I think she liked that I was a young girl coming from the Isle of Man, that had a dream of competing at the top level,” says Yasmin. “Without Sue and Janette I simply wouldn't be here today, having had the success that we’ve had together. I’m very grateful for both of them.”
It takes a team
Yasmin also extends her gratitude to her support team. “They look after the horses to the absolute highest standard. It’s so important that when you have amazing results you can all celebrate together and it’s everybody’s win.” But it’s not just the good times that this strong team shares. “When there are bad days, they’re there to put an arm around me and pick me up if I’m down in the dumps. I do feel lucky that I have the best support,” reflects Yasmin. And the horse? “Banzai is so special. His personality, his work ethic, he just loves his job from his core. He lives every day to be an event horse. He thrives off sport. He’s very special, without a doubt,” shares yard groom Denise Williams.
For love of a horse
“When I’m riding Banzai, I know that he loves it as much as I do, and he wants to do it for me. It’s an amazing feeling that he trusts me, and he wants to do it just as much as I do,” says Yasmin, who Janette credits with bringing the horse to his current standard. “It makes it very special to have the relationship and partnership we do. He’s the best, I love him to bits.”
An incredible day
“My world championship title – it’s the cherry on the top,” says a proud Yasmin, wiping away a rare tear. “I remember looking over to Sue and pointing at my medal and saying this is thanks to you.” “It was just an incredible day,” remembers an emotional Janette. “One that I will never forget. Never.”
All eyes on the prize
Yasmin’s support team is right behind her as they look at the road ahead. “We’re all here as a team to support Yasmin, and help her achieve it,” says groom Denise. So, the sky’s the limit.” And Yasmin’s mum Lesley agrees. “She has the mental aptitude to keep achieving, so watch this space.”