British Young Rider Tallulah Mackenzie Smith joined the Ashford Farm team nine months ago. And the past season has been one of remarkable growth for the 20 year-old—both in and outside of the arena. Since joining the Ashford Farm training program in January 2025, she has not only built strong partnerships with a new string of horses but also embraced an environment that has accelerated her development.

A central theme in her journey is the value of being part of a large, supportive group. “Being part of a big team has been something I really enjoy,” Tallulah says. “It can be lonely riding by yourself every day. At the stables in Eksel, there’s always someone around—either to train with, to help—and at shows you feel like you’re really part of a team.”

“I think it has helped me a lot to be part of a group where riders learn from each other and step in to help when needed.” Whether guided by Angelica or Marcos, or supported by teammates like Bruno, Tallulah describes the atmosphere as “a proper team feeling” that makes both training and competition more rewarding.

“Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli is my main trainer. I really appreciate that she combines a rider’s perspective with hands-on coaching.” Marcos Zanotelli completes Tallulah’s trainer team. “His attention to detail and calm encouragement, both at home and at shows, has really helped me develop my horses further. The combination of the two is really good”, she explains. “They are both incredibly supportive and so invested in helping me better myself.”

Tallulah’s progress has not only been about improving her riding technique. Collaborations with performance specialists such as Raf Crijns (EQ-Rider Support, Belgium) and Diego Linares (Rider Balance, online training) have expanded her program with physical conditioning and mental strength training.

“With Raf, the focus is on mental sharpness, body control, and energy balance. His approach includes everything from coordination and cognitive games to kinesiology resets that restore balance after setbacks,” Tallulah explains.

Diego has recently started training Tallulah as well. “Diego concentrates on rider-specific fitness. His tailored programs develop core strength, balance, and stability—not just general fitness. It’s all about training the exact things that you need for being a more balancced en efficient rider.”

Like any rider, Tallulah has faced ups and downs. What stands out is her ability to bounce back, supported by her team. “Neither my trainers nor teammates make me feel silly or bad for a mistake I’ve made in the show arena. We go home, do the homework, and come back stronger,” Tallulah explains.

Everything came together at Tallulah’s recent Nations Cup performance in Lier with Coyotte Pommex Z, where she emerged as one of the standout riders on the British team. Back in March - together with her trainers - she set herself a goal, to perform to the best of her ability there. Although she didn’t expect to be one of the leading riders on the team six month later, she fully achieved the goal that was set and then some.“Normally my results in team competitions were okay but never outstanding. This time, to be in the final and deliver three faultless rounds—it was really special.”

She credits a large part of her growth in confidence and sporting mindset to Raf. “He really helps me to stay focused and checks in regularly. Before the show, I told him my aim was to jump three clear rounds. He said: ‘Okay, we’ll get three clear rounds in.’ And we did. That was a real boost.”

Starting out, Tallulah her journey was also shaped by adjusting to a few different horses aqcuired in partnership with Ashford Farm. With one horse in particular, the talented nine-year-old mare Coyote Pommex Z, Tallulah immediately clicked. “It’s been such a wonderful match with her, it just felt right and familiar right from the start.” Nine-year-old Domsturmer, affectionately called ‘Storm’, joined Tallulah’s string of horses just a month ago and the pair recently completed their first 1.40m class together with great promise. “ When I ride him, he makes me feel I can do anything”.

Meanwhile, her trusted veteran Nistria vd Winning Z remains a vital part of her stable. Once her mount in bigger classes, Nistria now gives her the chance to enjoy pressure-free rounds at 1.30m and 1.35m. “I know her inside out”, she says fondly. “And riding her always feels natural. She’s fast, fun, and a real confidence booster.”

As the outdoor season winds down, attention now turns to preparing for the winter indoors. With a strong team behind her, a string of horses that balance experience and new talent, plus the growing confidence of a rider who knows how to reset and refocus, the months ahead promise even more progress.

“My confidence is definitely higher than it was before I joined the Ashford Farm training program”, Tallulah says with a smile. “You can’t always have a perfect round, but with the right support and the right mindset, you just keep building. I look forward to the indoor season, to see which lessons I can learn there, and to enjoy the ride.”