Sophie, 26, enjoyed success in the show ring as a child — winning the 1998 mini show pony of the year title at Horse of the Year Show aboard Colne Heiress. She also took the 2004 148cm riding pony title with the star mare Jackets Maybee.
“The amazing thing about the showing world is you make so many friends,” Sophie told H&H. “It is so like the performing industry.”
Belle Voci were formed when Emily and Sophie met through working at a pub four years ago.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Dressage and showjumping fans may also recognise them for their performances at the 2016 Liverpool International and Bolesworth International Horse Shows.
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Sophie added that working with Jennifer is “every bit as amazing as you would think”.
“We filmed the first show in October and we weren’t allowed to tell anyone other than very close family or employers,” she said.
The multi-talented heavy horse judge is branching out in a different area...
Jennifer said the other judges were “crazy not to turn around for them”.
“This is what a show called The Voice is supposed to be about,” she said.
“I don’t care what genre it is, talent is talent.”
Jennifer rose to fame through the 2006 hit film Dreamgirls, where her performance won her an Oscar for best supporting actress.
Sophie is not the only rider to have made a strong start on the show.
Eliza Gutteridge, who was chosen to join Tom Jones’ team following her performance of Birdy’s Wild Horses, was an active member of the Cumberland Farmers Hunt South branch of the Pony Club until recently.
The Voice is next on ITV at 8pm on 17 February.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
