‘I’ll never take anything for granted again’: meet the teenager flying high after her mare’s remarkable recovery

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Rising star: Tallulah Mackenzie Smith and Nistria VD Winning Z have made a remarkable comeback
Rising star: Tallulah Mackenzie Smith and Nistria VD Winning Z have made a remarkable comeback.
(Image credit: Spidge)

Teenage showjumper Tallulah Mackenzie Smith is making waves in the sport and is currently in France representing Great Britain at back-to-back youth Nations Cup competitions.

But she’s endured a rocky road over the past three years after top mare Nistria VD Winning Z broke a bone in her foot while competing at the Al Shira’aa Jumping Championships at Hickstead.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.