Comment/Statement

International dressage rider and influencer Gemma Owen appointed Patron

We are delighted to announce that Gemma Owen is lending her support to our charity by becoming a Patron.

Posted on 08/09/2023

Birth of first foal from rescued ‘smuggled’ Dover 26 horses

Gemma began her dressage career at 8-years-old, competing with British Dressage at just 11-years-old. In recent years Gemma and her horse, Sirius Black III (Siz), competed in the British team for the European Junior Riders Championship, in the British U21 Championships and most recently at the Prix St Georges level in 2023. She tragically lost Siz in February and after taking some time out of the saddle, Gemma recently took 8-year-old MSJ Florenza (Faye) on loan with the prospect of them competing together next year.

“I had the privilege of visiting World Horse Welfare at Penny Farm last month and I was overwhelmed with their fantastic facility and the amazing work the charity is doing in improving welfare standards and stamping out suffering of horses worldwide. As a lifetime equestrian owner, lover and competitor, I am honoured to become a Patron of a Charity whose work is very close to my heart and I’m enthused to be helping World Horse Welfare in their mission.”
Gemma Owen, Patron

“Gemma’s lifelong love of horses was in evidence when she spent the day with us at our Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Lancashire. Her natural affinity with and clear compassion for the most nervous welfare cases demonstrated what a fantastic asset she will be to the charity. As we approach our centenary, we know that our founder, Ada Cole, would have been passionate about reaching a new generation of advocates for our work – working with Gemma and our other dedicated Patrons, we will be able to raise greater awareness of our vision for our world where all horses are treated with compassion, respect and understanding. We are hugely grateful to Gemma and very much look forward to working closely with her.”
Roly Owers, Chief Executive

Gemma has built up over 2million followers across social media, where she documents her dressage career as well as her glamorous lifestyle.

Gemma lives at home in Cheshire with her parents, brother and sisters, and a menagerie of dogs and horses – including 30-year-old Daphne, the pony that helped her fall in love with dressage, who is living out her retirement alongside retired racehorses from the family’s racing yard, Manor House Stables.