When H&H visited England striker Michael Owen’s Cheshire racing yard, Manor House Stables, back in 2014, our key focus was his top class string of racehorses, including his Royal Ascot-winning superstar Brown Panther.

But as we chatted with the former footballer that day, we naturally drifted on to the subject of his eldest daughter, pony-mad Gemma Owen – then just 11 years old – who was already showing a keen interest in dressage.

Gemma Owen: Love Island contestant

Gemma Owen has been making headlines for the past eight weeks on ITV’s Love Island, reaching tonight’s (Monday, 1 August) final after finding love in the villa with fellow contestant Luca Bish. But she’d previously been better known – to H&H readers at least – as a rising star on the dressage circuit.

Gemma’s mother Louise, who made an appearance on Love Island in Sunday night’s penultimate episode, was also a keen dressage rider and Gemma, who got her first pony at the age of two, was taking the pony dressage world by storm when H&H visited eight years ago. Gemma had already represented Wales and qualified for the medium restricted summer regionals of 2014.

Louise, who broke her hip, her back in two places and her pelvis in five places in a fall, said of her future dressage star at that time: “I think you have to be the right type of person for dressage. It’s very technical and the more you get into it, the more you realise how technical it is. You have to do your homework, be patient and have attention to detail. She’s really taken to it and it’s very exciting.”

Michael Owen has since taken to the saddle himself, finishing second in his debut charity race at Ascot, but when asked if he enjoyed watching hours of dressage on days when Gemma was competing, Michael said: “I would if I had time – I have to work to pay for it!”

Gemma Owen: ‘She’s dead ambitious’ says proud mum

But looking to the future, Gemma Owen’s proud mum said back in 2014: “She’s dead ambitious. She has her sights set on riding for Great Britain – that’s her goal.”

Well, that prediction did indeed come true. Soon after, Gemma began forging a tremendous career with Der Kleine Lord in international pony classes and went on to represent Great Britain at the 2021 junior European Championships with her own 17-year-old gelding Sirius Black. The team finished a very creditable sixth.

She has competed up to inter I level on the national circuit and scored a personal best of 73.53% at prix st georges (PSG) earlier this year.

Gemma was competing right up until March, shortly before it was announced that she would be entering the Love Island villa. She was one of the original 11 hopefuls when joining the ITV show and the youngest of the group at just 19.

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Love it or not, ITV’s hit reality series Love Island is back on our screens this summer with dressage rider Gemma Owen, eldest daughter of former England striker Michael Owen, proving to be one of the stand-out stars since entering the villa.

Eagle-eyed viewers will have spotted that the intro to Love Island 2022 featured teenage Gemma cantering along a track on a stunning black horse – ending with a trademark toss of the hair for the camera after her elegant dismount.

The segment was actually filmed on Wimbledon Common in London and, while resembling Gemma’s top dressage horse Sirius Black, the horse she’s riding is actually 14-year-old gelding Onyx, who is owned by Deborah Tarrant and is kept on working livery at Wimbledon Village Stables (WVS).

The Love Island crew filmed Gemma, who has become a tabloid sensation since entering the villa, riding Onyx at the nearby rangers’ stables under the discreet guidance of staff from WVS. But with everything being kept top secret, it wasn’t until the run-up to this year’s series that Deborah and the WVS team realised who had been riding her beloved gelding.

“The week before, when they started releasing snippets about who was going into Love Island, we realised it was Gemma Owen, Michael Owen’s daughter,” Deborah told H&H.

“I’d told a few people to look out for Onyx, especially after we knew who it was riding him – but there was always a risk it was going to end up on the cutting room floor. So I was thrilled when it was there and I had quite a few people text me saying ‘We saw Onyx on TV!’ My husband said you can watch Love Island for the introduction, but you’re not watching it for the next few months!”

Gemma Owen takes the reins

Onyx was selected by Carol Andrews, proprietor of WVS, for Gemma Owen to ride and she seemed to hit it off with the Irish Sports Horse during filming.

“He’s reliable, but fun,” says Deborah. “He’s lovely to ride and he did look splendid on TV, didn’t he?”

While horses are a frequent sight round the many tracks on Wimbledon Common, Gemma would have stood out in her Love Island attire – in fact, Deborah relays that one of the WVS members of staff took Gemma aside during filming to have a quiet word in her ear: “You do know the buttons are undone on your blouse?” she pointed out.

“Because that’s not how you usually ride, is it, with your bra showing!” laughs Deborah. “But apparently Gemma replied ‘The film crew told me to undo my top buttons!’

“It was so Love Island.”

Deborah continues: “But I think Onyx was a star. He’s a really funny horse because he’s brave and bold, but he’s really quite sensitive to noise, which is crazy because we ride down Wimbledon High Street, and on the Common we have golfers, dogs and children – the horses have to be bombproof almost.

“But he’ll still do the most ridiculous cartoon jump if he sees a bird in the bush or he hears something. He’s calmed down a bit, but he used to do a twist and then bolt off – I parted company with him quite a few times in the early days, until I got used to what he was doing. We have an understanding now. He’s also the kind of horse that knows when he needs to behave and perform.”

Love Island’s equine star: a real all-rounder

Deborah has ridden all her life but has had Onyx (pictured above), her first horse, for four years.

“It’s always been my dream to have a horse, but I’ve always been working so I’ve always said I don’t have time,” she says, having fallen in love with a video of the gelding after WVS owner Carol sourced him from Ireland.

The pair now enjoy plenty of lessons and hacking while Onyx is used by clients at Wimbledon Village Stables the rest of the time.

“We do a bit of dressage and tiny showjumps at home and just before Covid I did say that maybe I’d like to compete him, but it only feels like this year we’re finally getting back into a routine,” says Deborah. “So maybe one day.”

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Former England footballer Michael Owen will be behind the wheel in the ride and drive competition at Bolesworth International Horse Show (29 June to 3 July) as part of a new partnership agreement.

The former England striker turned racehorse owner/breeder has signed a deal with Bolesworth Estate to attend a number of events in the Cheshire venue’s calendar in 2022.

Michael will be the “headline name” at Bolesworth International. He will join 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy and other celebrities from the sport and entertainment worlds competing in the ride and drive on “speed and style day” (30 June).

“Bolesworth is a fabulous location with a superb event calendar running across the year – where there really is something for everyone to enjoy,” said Michael.

“I am looking forward to the partnership and to be taking part in the first big event at Bolesworth this summer.

“There is real synergy between Bolesworth and [my] Manor House Stables and I hope through this partnership there will be the opportunity to showcase horse racing and racehorse ownership to a new and interested audience.”

Bolesworth Estate managing director Nina Barbour said that Michael, owner of nearby Manor House Stables, is a “familiar face” at Bolesworth.

“It is wonderful that we have now taken this a step further,” said Nina, who added that Michael’s daughter, dressage rider Gemma Owen – who has recently entered the Love Island villa – has competed at Bolesworth in the past.

“I am really looking forward to welcoming Michael to a host of events throughout the year ahead – and to be competing with him too in our big season launch event.”

Riding a Dream Academy secures funding and expansion

The Riding a Dream Academy has secured three years’ seed funding by the Racing Foundation to expand its programmes following a successful pilot year.

The academy supports young riders aged 14 to 18 from diverse ethnic backgrounds, under-represented communities and urban equestrian centres get involved in racing.

It currently runs the year-long Khadijah Mellah Scholarship for riders, plus a riding-based residential week at the British Racing School (BRS).

A parent of one of the academy students said that the positive impact it has had on her daughter’s life is “immeasurable”.

“Her lifelong dream of training as a jockey has been made possible by this opportunity and I hope she can continue to work towards her goals now that this door has opened,” the parent said. “It has literally changed her life in ways I could not have made possible – I am for ever grateful.”

To date, 60% of the academy’s applicants, and 73% of students in the pilot year, are from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This compares to just 2% of jockeys and between 3 and 5% of individuals who currently go on the industry’s entry-level foundation course.

The academy has also announced that it will add a non-riding residential week to its rosta, catering for large numbers applying who lacked access to horses and sufficient riding experience, as well as regional weeks to take the academy out into communities. All programmes will be delivered by the BRS team.

“Being able to provide amazing opportunities to talented riders and young people with an interest in horse racing from a wide range of communities is at the heart of the academy,” said co-founder Naomi Lawson, who will move from her role of director of communications at Great British Racing to lead the academy.

“We are excited to be able to expand our programmes and reach many more individuals thanks to the Racing Foundation’s funding. The pilot has demonstrated the impact that the academy can have in making racing more diverse and inclusive with our students already working in the industry, applying for the foundation course and taking up other opportunities within the sport.”

ITV Racing’s Oli Bell, who co-founded the academy, said they are “incredibly grateful” to the Racing Foundation for its “enduring support” of the academy and sharing their vision of a more diverse and inclusive sport.

“The foundation has been with us from the start when they helped to fund the original Riding A Dream documentary, which followed Khadijah Mellah’s incredible story [to become the first Muslim woman to participate – and win – a horse race in Britain], through to our pilot year,” he said.

“For us to be in the position to support many other young people from diverse and under-represented backgrounds through their funding is a fitting legacy to all that Khadijah achieved and will help racing identify and support diverse talent from across the country.”

Bates continues support of Riders Minds

Bates Saddles is extending its support of Riders Minds for the second year.

Riders Minds’ focus is on supporting the mental health of horse riders of all levels through online resources and a free, confidential 24-hour phone and text service.

“As part of our commitment to the equestrian community, Bates Saddles are delighted to support Riders Minds to raise awareness and promote the importance of mental health,” said Bates Saddles managing director Ron Bates.

“Hopefully, this initiative will help riders recognise warning signs, manage their stress and find help when needed.”

Riders Minds is also supported by British Equestrian, TheraPlate, and Charles Owen.

Boodles extends Gold Cup sponsorship after ‘epic’ 2022

Jeweller Boodles is extending its sponsorship of the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival to 2023 and 2024.

Boodles managing director Michael Wainwright said the company’s board had “no hesitation” in extending its association following the success of the 2022 Gold Cup.

“After an epic build-up to this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and then a wonderful day for the race itself, capped by the charismatic Rachael Blackmore being the first female jockey to win it, the Boodles board had no hesitation in extending our association by another two years,” he said.

“The whole experience was fabulous exposure for Boodles, and for me personally it provided one of the best days of my life.”

Boodles is also extending its sponsorship of the Boodles juvenile handicap hurdle at the Festival, which it has supported since 2018, for a further two years and gains further sponsorship rights across the Jockey Club.

Ian Renton, managing director for Cheltenham racecourse and the Jockey Club’s west region, said: “I am thrilled that Boodles has decided to further extend its relationship with the Festival by agreeing to sponsor the next two renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“After enjoying a record attendance this year, the 2023 running of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup takes place on St Patrick’s Day and the great race celebrates its centenary in 2024, so I am sure there are some truly memorable days ahead.

“Boodles is now approaching a decade of involvement with the Festival and hopefully has reaped the benefits of its association with the four biggest days in jump racing.

“Coverage of the Festival seems to start earlier and be more extensive with each passing year and it was a milestone moment this year when the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup received its first broadcast on national television in the USA.

“We look forward to continuing to work alongside the team at Boodles with their tremendous passion and commitment as well all our other partners, both old and new, in the coming times ahead.”

NAF supports Hartpury summer fixtures

NAF is continuing its support of major summer equestrian fixtures at Hartpury University and College this year.

The supplement brand returns as title sponsor of Hartpury’s Festival of Dressage (5-10 July), Showjumping Spectacular (26-29 June) and the international horse trials (10-14 August).

Eloise Chugg-Martin, UK sponsorship and events manager for NAF, said the fixtures are “such a principal part of our events calendar”.

“We’re thrilled to welcome competitors new and returning, along with spectators, and are looking forward to a jam-packed summer of quality sport around Hartpury’s impressive venue,” she said.

Phillip Cheetham, equine director at Hartpury, added that NAF is a “hugely important part of the Hartpury family and is synonymous with equestrianism at Hartpury”.

“It’s a privilege to be aligned with a brand that is instantly recognisable and trusted by so many equestrians, as well as being a leading champion of clean sport,” he said.

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British dressage rider Gemma Owen is swapping white boards for the white sands of Majorca as she jets off to join the Love Island villa.

Gemma was part of the British squad at the 2021 junior European dressage championships, where she helped the team to sixth place with her own Sirius Black. The 19-year-old has competed to inter I and has a bevy of wins and top results at pony and junior internationals in the UK and Europe.

Gemma is the daughter of former England striker turned racehorse owner/breeder Michael Owen, and Louise Owen, who also has a strong involvement in the equestrian world.

“Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family,” said Gemma. “My dad was a professional football player. I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11 years old. I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions.

“I would say I’m very competitive. [When it comes to relationships] I will always go for what I want. But at the same time, I’m not going to mess up something for someone who is in a proper relationship or get in the way of a couple if they have a genuine connection. I wouldn’t do anything to another girl that I wouldn’t be happy with her doing to me.”

She added: “I am open to finding love, I’m wanting to have a really fun summer. I was seeing someone and then that didn’t work out so I thought, ‘Why not?’

“I would say I’m fun, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good person to talk to, I’m very honest. If I want the same guy [as someone else], I’d do it but in a nice respectful way.”

Gemma will be the latest in a number of equestrian figures who have spent time on the ITV2 show, which returns for its eighth series on 6 June.

Chris Hughes reached the final of the third season, before going on to land a job as ITV Racing presenter, while Frankie Foster – now a presenter on Racing TV’s social media channel #Raceday – spent 10 days in the villa in season four.

Jade Affleck (season six) and Olivia Bowen (season two runner-up) are among the other riders to have appeared on the show. Five-star event rider Will Rawlin also revealed in a H&H interview last year that he had been approached to appear on Love Island and Made In Chelsea.

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Football legend and racehorse owner Michael Owen won almost everything in top-level football before turning to his second passion — horse racing. He has since built a first-class racehorse training operation at his Manor House Stables in Malpas, Cheshire. Michael’s approach to his horses’ welfare is as committed, determined and meticulous as his approach to football.

In a new film as part of racing’s “Horse Comes First” campaign, supported by the British Horseracing Authority, we get a sneak peek behind the scenes at Michael’s impressive set-up, where the best treatment is given to the equine residents.

It highlights how the “winning culture” at Manor House Stables is rooted in the belief that healthy, happy horses are paramount. Michael and his team describe the similarities between a stable of equine athletes and a team of top-level footballers, while Manor House Stables trainer, Tom Dascombe, discusses their emphasis on injury prevention — using veterinary science, tailored diet, exercise regimes for horses and more.

“The resemblance between racehorses and footballers is uncanny. The treatment and care they receive is a similar standard to what I was used to throughout my playing career,” said Michael.

“Racehorse trainers dedicate their lives to the horses and understand that each one is different and needs a certain level of special care. They know, more than anyone, that the animals are athletes — and they are treated as so,” he added.

The racing yard is purpose built for training racehorses with an equine spa, a swimming pool for the horses, plus a resident vet — who visits the stables twice a day. There are also all-weather gallops among the top-class facilities, and the new film highlights the brilliant care the Manor House Stables horses receive.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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Former top footballer Michael Owen took to the saddle for his race debut yesterday (24 November), finishing runner-up in the Prince’s Countryside Fund charity race at Ascot.

The 37-year-old, who only started riding this year, partnered the Tom Dascombe-trained Calder Prince. The handler is based at Michael’s Manor House Stables in Cheshire.

“He’s a diamond of a horse. I can’t keep the smile off my face and I loved it. It was better than I expected and we seemed to go really quick early on — that’s probably the fastest I’ve ever been on a horse,” Michael told Racing UK after the seven-furlong contest.

“He whipped through to the front off the bend and I thought ‘come on now’ but it was a long final furlong and I got very tired.”

Continued below…

Watch football star Michael Owen take a tumble off racehorse

“It’s made me think to myself that I need to do some hard work between now and Ascot”

Exclusive look inside Michael Owen’s Manor House Stables

Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the former footballer's Manor House Stables in Cheshire

Michael Owen pays tribute to stable star Brown Panther

Michael Owen's top horse suffered a fatal injury in the Irish St Leger

The eventual winner, point-to-point jockey Tom Chatfield-Roberts, partnered the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained Golden Wedding.

The rider has recently qualified from the Royal Veterinary College and has pointed for the past six seasons, riding over 20 winners.

“It was a great thrill to get past the winning post at Ascot in front,” said Tom. “The race was good fun, but we went a little bit quicker than I’m used to. It was a great experience and a day I will never forget.”

The winning trainer said on Twitter: “Well done to Tom C-R for winning the charity race on Golden Wedding. Sorry Michael Owen for beating you. You gave it a great ride. Well done.”

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended Ascot racecourse today to award the prize-winners following the charity race.

Qatari racehorse owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani came home in third — having first ridden in a charity race in 2015 — while event rider Harry Meade finished sixth.

Between the 10 “jockeys” who took part, around £40,000 was raised through sponsorship in aid of the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

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Former star striker Michael Owen took his first — and second — tumble during preparations for his race-riding debut.

The retired England footballer was on the gallops at the British Racing School in Newmarket when the horse he was riding spooked and spun, depositing Michael on the floor before trotting off to eat grass.

Minutes later, Michael’s mount left him on his backside for a second time.

Both horse and rider were fine and Michael remounted to continue with the assessment day ahead of the Prince’s Countryside Fund charity race at Ascot on 24 November.

He admitted afterwards the transition from owner to jockey is proving tougher than he first thought.

“Today was really insightful and, if anything, it has brought me on a lot but also put me back a couple of strides because it was the first time I’ve fallen off of a horse – twice!” said Michael, adding training for the race has been “a big learning curve”.

“It’s made me think that they’re not machines.

“I’ve been doing some practice back at home and it felt very easy and I thought I would breeze it.

“Today, there’s been wide open spaces, horses you don’t know and it’s been very, very different.

“It’s made me think to myself that I need to do some hard work between now and Ascot.”

Michael, who only sat on a horse for the first time this year, will be riding one of his own racehorses in the charity race.

He tweeted on 1 November that he had 24lb to lose in 24 days to make the weight for his race-riding debut.

Leading event rider Harry Meade, Ledbury Hunt master Louise Daly and Qatar racing chief Sheikh Fahad bin Abdullah Al Thani are also among the 11 riders taking part.

Michael also took part in the standard fitness test, which included planks, squats on balance boards and a bleep test.

“It was a tough fitness test, it was obviously specific to what you’re going to be doing so some of it was not what I would have normally done in my career,” he added.

“A lot of strength work and balance and posture and core, work on your thighs, so it was interesting and quite punishing at times actually.”

Article continues below…

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Star footballer takes to the saddle to ride at Ascot

The former England footballer has long had a

Michael’s love of racing is well known — he is a prominent racehorse owner and landlord of Manor House Stables in Cheshire, from which Tom Dascombe has trained since 2009.

Among his stable stars was Brown Panther, who Michael bred and owned. The horse won the 2015 Dubai World Cup, the 2011 King George V stakes at Royal Ascot and the 2013 Goodwood Cup.

“I found in life that a lot of things look easy on the eye,” said Michael.

“You go to a stadium or you watch on TV and everything looks quite easy, and then you try and do it yourself and you think it’s quite hard.

“Then you see the jockeys up close and what they do and it’s nigh-on impossible.

“It’s people at the very top of their games and very top of their sports and they are exceptional at it.

“I think you can only get that respect from trying it yourself and realising how difficult it is and then when you consider they’re half your weight and controlling half a ton of animal.

“It’s fascinating how good they are and how difficult it has been to understand how to do it.”

• Videos by The Princes’ Countryside Fund

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Former England footballer Michael Owen is set to ride at Ascot.

Michael is planning on making his race-riding debut in The Prince’s Countryside Fund Charity Race on 24 November at Ascot racecourse.

The sporting hero’s passion for racing is well known — but it was only this year that he sat on a horse for the first time.

“It has been a long-term ambition of mine to learn how to ride and race, but as a professional footballer it was not possible,” said Michael, who has 89 England caps.

“Now I have set myself the target of competing in The Prince’s Countryside Fund Charity Race.

“It’s a brilliant cause and I can’t wait to get started; it is going to take a lot of hard work over the next few months, but I am really looking forward to it.”

Michael is a prominent racehorse owner and landlord of Manor House Stables in Cheshire, from which Tom Dascombe has trained since 2009.

Among his stable stars was Brown Panther, who Michael bred and owned. The horse won the 2015 Dubai World Cup, the 2011 King George V stakes at Royal Ascot and the 2013 Goodwood Cup.

In 2013, Michael voiced his desire to learn to ride with the hope of taking part in a charity race — and has kept true to his word.

Article continues below…

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Last autumn, top Flat jockey Ryan Moore put Michael through his paces aboard a racehorse simulator during his first “riding lesson”.

During the session at the British Racing School in Newmarket, Michael rode the equivalent of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes — a six-furlong race held on Champions Day at Ascot.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund, founded by Prince Charles in 2010, was set up to support British farmers and the countryside. It provides more than £1.5million in annual grants and runs its own programmes.

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Most famous for his skills on the football pitch, Michael Owen faced a new challenge when top Flat jockey Ryan Moore put him through his paces aboard a racehorse simulator, during his first ‘riding lesson’.

The former England international footballer has always had a passion for racing and owns numerous racehorses. He bred and owned the former Tom Dascombe-trained stable star Brown Panther, who won the 2015 Dubai Gold Cup. He also owns the impressive training establishment, Manor House Stables, in Cheshire.

During the session held at the British Racing School in Newmarket, Michael rode the equivalent of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes — a six-furlong race held on Champions Day at Ascot (15 October) — on a fast-moving mechanical horse.

Even for a former top sportsperson, like Michael, it appeared to be a tough workout and the 36-year-old was evidently surprised at how much hard work it was.

“Ryan Moore is one of the best jockeys in the world so who better to give me my first riding lesson? As a lifelong racing fan, I knew that the job of a jockey wasn’t easy, but as a former professional sportsman I was surprised by just how tough it was,” said Michael.

“Even though it was only for a few minutes it left my legs feeling like jelly. Having someone like Ryan next to me making it look like a walk in the park really shows the level of strength and fitness these guys have.”

Luckily, three-time champion Flat jockey Ryan was on hand to give some much-needed advice.

“Teaching an ex-international footballer how to ride was a first. As Michael said, when you are a professional, it’s hard to get into the mind frame of a complete beginner, but we got there with the basics,” he added.

Will a charity race be next on Michael Owen’s bucket list? Watch this space…

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We don’t need reminding that people expect to see Hugh Grant armed with his reporter's notepad in Horse & Hound HQ. But there are plenty of other celebs whose famous faces have made an appearance on our pages — from rock legends and actors to models and football stars. When did horse sport get so showbiz?

1. Taylor Swift

Pop star Taylor Swift hit the H&H headlines this month (January 2015) when she was spotted sporting a pair of jodhpur-like tan trousers, long brown boots, a red coat and black riding hat. All she was missing was a horse. South Shropshire huntsman Otis Ferry even took to Instagram to illustrate Taylor’s get-up looking remarkably similar to his hunting attire…

2. N-Dubz

Rappers and riding might not be a common partnership — but Dappy from N-Dubz had his unlikely hobby revealed in November 2013, when it was reported that he’d fallen from a horse while riding at his Hertfordshire home — and was subsequently kicked in the face.

3. Kenney Jones

When rock star Kenney Jones announced plans to revamp Hurtwood Polo Club in Surrey and turn it into a major equestrian venue in October last year, the idea was welcomed by the polo and equestrian communities. The former drummer for the Small Faces and The Who submitted plans to build an all-weather arena for polo, showjumping and dressage, stabling for 78 horses with grooms’ accommodation and 14 country homes.

4. Kristen Stewart

The Twilight actress Kristen Stewart admitted she was “terrified” of having to ride for her new film “Snow White and the Huntsman” in 2012. “I was shaking like a leaf when saddling up. Riding horses terrifies me,” Kristen told the Daily Star newspaper at the time. “I’ve felt that way ever since I fell off a horse when I was nine and broke my elbow.”

5. Simon Cowell

You may well have spotted music mogul Simon Cowell strutting his stuff in the paddock in his signature high-waisted trousers. The straight-talking X Factor judge invested in a two-year-old thoroughbred with fellow prime-time TV presenters Ant and Dec in 2013. The aptly named It’s A Yes From Me is in training with James Fanshawe in Newmarket.

6. Tom Cruise

Glorious Goodwood’s glamour was taken up a notch in 2014 when Hollywood actor Tom Cruise was drafted in to present the prize for the Magnolia Cup charity race — which was narrowly won by supermodel Edie Campbell.

7. Bruce Springsteen

Over-eager parents cheering you on from the ringside can be the cause of embarrassment. But not when your dad happens to be rock legend Bruce Springsteen. Bruce’s daughter Jessica Spingsteen has been riding since she was four, and in September 2012 Peter Charles’ London 2012 horse Murka’s Vindicat W was sold to the young showjumper.

8. Leona Lewis

In 2010 we revealed that X-factor winner Leona Lewis, who was made the honourary president for Horse of the Year Show in 2014, had a poem about horses tattooed in a line down her spine. The poem reads: ‘Their beauty captures every eye, a gift from God for all mankind, they lend us wings so we may fly, to ride a horse is to ride the sky.’ That certainly shows commitment…

9. Jennifer Aniston

Asking for ‘The Rachel’ at the hairdressers was once a well-known request — the Friends’ star’s hair was the envy of every teenage girl. And in 2014 H&H revealed that the secret behind Jennifer Aniston’s voluminous locks was Mane ‘N Tail shampoo and conditioner. Start raiding your horse’s grooming kit now.

10. Henry Cavill

In May 2011 Superman star Henry Cavill popped the question to showjumper Ellen Whitaker in a Hollywood hotel — after seeking the permission of Ellen’s dad, Stephen — but the engagement was later called off.

11. Michael Owen

Together with trainer Tom Dascombe and a top team of staff, former-footballer and heart-throb Michael Owen seems to send out winner after winner from his Manor House Stables in Cheshire — subsequently making repeat appearances on our racing pages.

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Enjoy the H&H team’s top tweets from the equestrian twitterverse this week.

The week on twitter

It’s great to see Paul’s daughter is sporting the famous ‘Tapner red’ away from the eventing scene

Clever Smokey indeed. Francis Whittington deservedly soaking up his victory at Blenheim Horse Trials

It looks like event rider Georgie Strang’s boyfriend has got some shopping to do after she finished 8th Blenheim Horse Trials with Cooley Business Time

Nicky Roncoroni’s dog doing his best to remain inconspicuous

Keeping with the dog theme, Aoife Clark’s dog stages a silent protest at the sight of the lorry being packed for another three-day event

Lara Griffith and her boss Olympic dressage rider Laura Tomlinson’s Rubin Al Asad claim victory at the national dressage championships

The sport gene has obviously rubbed off on the eldest daughter of ex-premiership footballer Michael Owen

And finally, kudos to multi-gold medal-winning para dressage rider Natasha Baker for throwing herself out of a plane all in the name of charity

If you like this, why not follow @horseandhound on twitter today?

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Fans of former England footballer Michael Owen will be able to see him more regularly on TV, as the star has signed a two-year deal with Racing UK.

He will make regular appearances on the specialist racing channel and take part in marketing campaigns.

Michael owns and manages the Cheshire training yard Manor House Stables which has 90 thoroughbreds including the Royal Ascot winner Brown Panther.

“I am delighted to be joining Racing UK and linking up with a racing partner who supports the industry. Hopefully, we can work together in growing the appeal of this wonderful sport,” he said.

Racing UK broadcasts over 739 live race meetings annually, with commentary and tipping from 34 of the UK’s racecourses.

More information on Racing UK.

With well over 40 winners and almost half a million in prize-money on the cards already, the team at Michael Owen‘s Manor House Stables are enjoying a vintage season. H&H visits the Cheshire yard to meet Michael and trainer Tom Dascombe — and to find out what the daily timetable looks like for the team.

5.30am: Horses fed.

6am: “I come out and have a cup of tea,” says Dascombe. “Make sure everyone’s at work, liaise with the head lads and make sure all the horses have eaten, which horses haven’t, why haven’t they eaten? Have they got a temperature? Every horse has its temperature taken morning and evening. Any horses that ran the day before are trotted up to check they’re sound.”

7am: First lot followed immediately by second lot. “We tend to keep it in the order of older horses, then two-year-old colts, two-year-old fillies then fourth lot is sick, lame and lazy! So fourth lot have probably all gone for a swim during first lot and they go for a trot as fourth lot.”

Around 9.30am: “The lads stop for breakfast after second lot and that’s when we do all the race declarations [48hr ahead of the race] and five day entries — the deadline is 10am for decs and 12 for entries. I talk to Lizzie my secretary, giving her an email dictating to the owners that ran yesterday and the ones we’ve got declared to run in two day’s time — and I need to answer the phone a lot!”

12pm: After third and fourth lots, the horses have their second feed of the day then it’s time for them to have a rest.

12.30pm: Lunch. “Michael will come out of his on-site office and he and I will go out for lunch at one of our fantastic local pubs and we’ll chat about horses.”

4pm: Staff come back and they each have four horses to look after. “They might have one swimming, it might be in the spa, go out in the paddock — or going out for a pick of grass if they can’t be turned out. We tend not to worry too much about brushing them over, picking their feet out — they should be tidy from the morning anyway. I like them to be doing stuff rather than standing there being brushed which isn’t going to make any difference to them. It makes more sense than just standing there making them look pretty. Then they’ll get mucked out.”

6pm: Third feed of the day

10pm: Final feed. “Then I go around turning all the lights off. We leave the lights on till then all the year round so they always think it’s summer. It helps with their coats. My favourite time of year is winter, breaking the yearlings and getting them going,” says Dascombe. “That’s when you’ve got all the dreams of ‘This could be’ – and then the reality sets in that actually none of them are as good as you thought! But that’s the exciting time.”

Take an exclusive look inside Manor House Stables [VIDEO]

To read the full interview with Michael Owen, see this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (24 July 2014)

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Former top footballer Michael Owen made his debut as a “jockey” on Friday (24 November), finishing second on the Tom Dascombe-trained Calder Prince in the Prince’s Countryside Trust seven-furlong charity Flat race at Ascot.

H&H were fortunate to visit Michael at home and take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of his Manor House Stables in Cheshire — where 90 horses-in-training enjoy state-of-the-art facilities including an on-site veterinary centre, spa, swimming pool and immaculate gallops.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It’s been a good week for former footballer and racing fan Michael Owen — his top racehorse won at Glorious Goodwood and his dressage-loving daughter came 2nd with her pony at BYRDS.

The Owens are a horsey family — not only does Michael own Tom Dascombe’s Manor House Stables in Cheshire, his wife Louise is a patron of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre and his daughter Gemma was recently selected for the Welsh under-12 dressage team.

Micheal’s even revealed he’s learning to ride to take part in a charity race. H&H is sure any race featuring Michael will attract a large audience…

But in the meantime check out our gallery of Michael Owen at the races.

Last week 10-year-old Gemma and her pony Daphne II were 2nd overall in the novice at the Keysoe BYRDS Home International (30-31 July).

Meanwhile on Thursday (1 August) Michael’s top horse, Brown Panther, trained by Tom Dascombe, took the Artemis Goodwood Cup at Glorious Goodwood.

The former footballer loves his racing — so much so he’s become an ambassador for the QIPCO British Champions Series.

The British Champion Series comprises of 35 Flat races across the season —culminating in British Champions Day at Ascot on 19 October.

“I’m delighted to be able to utilise my experience from Premiership football and my passion for racing in order to bring younger audiences into the sport,” said Michael. “Flat racing in Britain is the best in the world and the QIPCO British Champions Series and Champions Day showcase races no sports fan should miss.”

See the current issue of H&H magazine for Goodwood and BYRDS report, out today (Thursday 8 August).

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Two footballers’ daughters are carving out their own international careers — in the equestrian world.

Chelsea Pearce, daughter of former England under-21 manager and former England captain Stuart, has been longlisted for the pony eventing team.

At 14, she is the youngest on the list, but her 17-year-old mare, Catherston Nutsafe, is a veteran of three medal-winning appearances for Britain.

“‘Snoopy’ is an awesome teacher and she’s 17 going on seven,” said Chelsea’s mother Liz.

“This year was supposed to be for gaining experience, but Chelsea’s like her dad — just taking part is not enough, she wants to win.”

Chelsea trains with Annabel Scrimgeour, Richard Ramsay and Darrell Scaife, and wants to event professionally.

“She’s very dedicated, but has her feet on the ground,” added Liz, who used to work for showjumpers Ted Edgar and Nick Skelton.

“Stuart can’t usually come to events, but when he does he’s totally different from how he is at the football. But he’s great at giving sporting advice — to work hard and not get carried away.”

Chelsea, a member of the Tedworth branch of the Pony Club, also rides Little Indian Feather, who finished seventh at the Europeans last year. The final trial for the six-strong squad is at Barbury (4-7 July).

Meanwhile, former England striker Michael Owen’s eldest daughter Gemma is set to represent her country for the first time in dressage.

Michael tweeted: “I’m a proud dad today. My 10-year-old daughter Gemma has been selected for the Welsh under-12 dressage team.”

The Owens own and breed racehorses at their home in Cheshire. Gemma’s mother Louise is involved with the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre at Halton, Lancs.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (20 June 2013)

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Footballer Michael Owen, 27, has set up a racing stable. The first 25 horses moved into Manor House Stables in Cheshire 10 days ago and have been put into training with resident trainer Nicky Vaughan.

Manor Farm is a 160 acre former dairy farm and following an extensive refurbishment programme, now boasts stabling for up to 25 horses and a seven furlong gallops. A planning application has been submitted for a further 50 stables and an extended gallops.

“The intention is to train horses for other people and sell them on,” said Steven Smith, managing director of Manor House Stables.

Owen himself owns nine horses at present but is not actively involved in training.

“He can’t take an active role due to his commitments to Newcastle United Football Club,” Smith explained. “But the business will be built up for him to take more of an interest in later on.”

Michael Owen said: “This is fulfilling one of my passions in life and is something I hope will build up over the next 20 or 30 years into a substantial and successful training yard.”

Owen and his wife, Louise, have a longstanding interest in horses. Louise is a patron of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre which cares for horses once their racing days are over. Owen bought his first racehorse, Treble Heights, after winning the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup treble with Liverpool and it won a number of listed races.

Treble Heights is now installed at Manor Farm with her third foal.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now