Professional Show Jumper
With an International show jumping career spanning 30 years and representing his Country on 25 Nations Cup teams James is regarded as one of Britain’s most established professional show jumping riders. He was first selected to ride for the senior British team in 1985 and in a career stretching almost 3 decades has won numerous titles and Grand Prix’s all over Europe.

Producing & trading
Through many years of competing nationally and Internationally James has forged strong business relationships with some of the most celebrated show jumping riders and dealers in the world and this has made him well recognised as a source for sport horses in Europe.

James’ real passion lies in finding and carefully producing what he judges to be extremely talented sport horses with the potential to reach a high level in show jumping. The competition arena is often used as a showcase for the horses which not only keeps James on the show jumping circuit but at the same time presents the horses to potential clients. The business is founded on family principles and values and together with the daily running of Holme Park Farm becomes very much a way of life.

Schooling
James’ most influential education was gained at the Reitsportzentrum in Elgg Switzerland (teacher Trainer College) where during the winters of 1980/1981 James trained with Paul Weier – an Olympic rider & course designer. This experience inspired James to International show jumping which has given him the opportunity to train alongside the likes of George Morris and many top riders and trainers all over the world. Over the last 25 years James has worked closely with Jan Tops (Olympic & European team gold medallist) whose revolutionary approach and irrepressible enthusiasm for show jumping has been a huge influence on him.

Tuition from James & Lena is regularly available along with the possibility of riders staying for a period of training with their horse/horses. A limited number of Working Pupil positions are also offered by arrangement.

Livery
Owners can place a horse in James’ care for the purpose of schooling/producing to sell or to compete on the National/International show jumping circuit. In addition a select number of show jumping liveries are also taken.

Holme Park Farm
Nestled in the heart of the Thames Valley the original 17th century farm has been sympathetically restored since the mid 70s and subtly accommodates all the vital equestrian facilities inside and amongst its delightful period barns. Within the yard James has created a very professional yet friendly environment which is excellently supported by trusted staff, vets and farriers. Surrounding the main yard is a pre-competition grass arena, a generous sand/fibre ménage and an indoor riding hall with adjoining self contained stable complex. This facility is often used as a temporary/seasonal base for visiting competition riders.

Breeding on the 70 acres of farmland has been a successful ‘sideline’ and supplied James with his current top string of horses as well as many other offspring now making their name on the show circuit such as Billy Angelo (William Funnell).

James has excellent contacts throughout the show jumping world and over the years has produced many horses through to top-flight competition. Finding and producing your own successful International horse is every enthusiasts dream, but it is one that, with correct management has a realistic chance of coming true.

Sky Sports Television regularly uses James as a studio pundit/guest and their live coverage of Show Jumping so far includes the Hickstead Derby, The Royal International Horse Show and the Horse of the Year Show, Birmingham.