‘You need an endless pot if you want to go to the top’: meet the ambitious young showjumper paving her own way

H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald says Angel Tough should be on your radar – here’s why

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Angel Tough riding Nicole VI at HOYS 2025
ANGEL TOUGH AND NICOLE VI - PETER NIXON FUTURE OWNS/
(Image credit: PETER NIXON)

British showjumper Angel Tough, 22, is proving to be one of the finest young horse producers in the country and, despite the recent sale of her top prospect, the seven-year-old Nicole IV, Angel retains plenty of ambition to reach the top of the sport.

“My goals have changed a bit now!” says Angel, who had qualified Nicole for a host of young horse finals including Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show, as well as the recent under-25 British Championship at the London International Horse Show before she was snapped up by the world number one showjumper Kent Farrington of USA at the start of December.

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.