Biography

Michael has completed Badminton four times since 2002, when he brought his Pony Club horse, Perks of the Job, and is best known for his 12-season association with The Highland Prince.

This time he rides the Irish Sport Horse Monbeg Darwin, for whom it will be a first five-star. Last year they were ninth in the new CCI4*-L at Scone Palace, Scotland, and completed Bramham CCI4*-L. 

Monbeg Darwin came to Michael as a ‘raw four-year-old’ from Monbeg Sport Horses and Michael has produced him through the grades.

Michael, whose mother rode out for several racehorse trainers in Newmarket, has ridden as an amateur jockey. He runs Team Owen Eventing at Nantwich, Cheshire and works as a freelance instructor.