16-Year-Old Martha Glwys Jones Named Top UK Under-16 Rider and 15th Worldwide
Martha Glwys Jones, a 16-year-old from Sir Conwy, has described her selection to represent the British Equestrian Team at the European Championships as a "real dream come true."
She will compete as part of a four-member team in the under-16 category at the event in Le Mans, France, scheduled for July.
In May, Martha was named the best under-16 rider in the UK and ranked 15th globally in the same category. She aims to win more medals throughout the summer season.
However, competing at this level involves significant costs, and to afford participation in the championships, Martha is seeking sponsors to help alleviate the financial burden.
"The relationship with the horse is one of the most important things," Martha said.
Early Interest and Development in Equestrian Sport
Martha has been interested in equestrianism since early childhood. She began caring for her first horse, Jac, at the age of six at her family's stable business in Carmel, Llanrwst.
She quickly became a member of the Aberconwy Riding Club and developed a passion for dressage, a specialized discipline where horse and rider perform movements in an arena.
This year, Martha will compete on Cognac, a horse with experience in several European championship competitions and well-known within the equestrian community.
"I've been with Cognac since early 2025. Everyone in Britain knows him; he has been on the team since 2016. He went to the Netherlands for a short time, but we are very happy to have him back," Martha explained.
"The relationship with the horse is one of the most important things. The horse has to show a lot of trust in the rider because we ask a lot from them.
"The important thing in dressage is that we look good together. Our appearance, including our clothing, tack, cleanliness, my movements, and the horse's movements, are all important.
"Then, the connection we have as the horse responds to me and the criteria we must follow is extremely important.
"We are also judged on how we walk, trot, and canter. There are many things we must do to succeed. There is a lot of focus on everything!"
Balancing Education and Training
Martha is a student at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy and recently completed her GCSE exams. She has had to manage her time carefully to balance training for the championships and caring for Cognac.
"I've just finished my GCSEs, and it took a team and a half to get me through them," she said.
"I was training five or six times a week, so trying to do everything—looking after the horse, giving him the best care, and doing my best in exams—took a lot of effort.
"I was working off different schedules made to help me do everything."
Martha added that finding time to see friends has been challenging but emphasized the importance of socializing between studying and training to "switch off from everything."
"We managed to do it in the end, and the exciting part is ahead of us now."
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Raised on a dairy farm in Sir Conwy, Martha noted that her background differs significantly from most equestrian competitors.
"Since I was young, I watched dressage and was inspired by people like Charlotte Dujardin—but I always felt it was impossible for me to be on the British team," she said.
"I come from a farming background in North Wales, and most people competing come from wealthy backgrounds— for many of them, doing this is normal."
Financial Challenges and Sponsorship Needs
Participation in competitions, travel, horse transportation, healthcare, competition clothing, tack, and equipment is very expensive.
Martha estimates the cost of reaching the championships to be approximately £35,000.
"I was so proud to be selected—it has been a real dream. There is a big team behind me, and it has been a big step for everyone—so much work goes into it.
"But the cost has been a big shock for us, and to get to France, we hope to receive sponsorship to help," she added.
"We would be very grateful for whatever support we receive."
