About Cressy

Cressy Neads (neé Reading) was born 1981, and early on lived in the Isle of Man, and attended the Buchan School. With her first pony, Menai Swallow, they enjoyed all the activities the Pony Club offered, representing the Isle of Man in the Prince Phillip Cup Pony Club Games. Subsequently, on moving to England, Cressy joined the very successful Chiddingfold Pony Club which was great fun whilst gaining valuable competition experience.

Educated at the Royal School Haslemere, Charterhouse, Godalming College and Surrey University, Cressy graduated in 2003 with a 2:1 Hons. Degree in Psychology and until 2007 pursued a full time Three Day Eventing career.

Cressy’s career highlights include Reserve Under 18 National Champion, Under 21 National Champion, Reserve under 25 National Champion, Bronze Medal Junior Europeans, Silver Medal Young Rider Europeans, and 4th Burghley CCI****, being the highest placed British and European rider.

As a result of these performances, Cressy was selected for Lottery World Class Potential scheme, which is awarded to ten riders under thirty years of age who are considered to be Great Britain’s potential senior team riders and Olympic hopefuls.

Cressy backed and brought on her own horses through the grades, and by her early 20s had a proven track record at the top level of competition, piloting four different horses clear around Badminton and Burghley CCI****, the most difficult level of competition in the world. At the end of 2007 Cressy made the difficult decision to leave her Eventing success behind and follow a Showjumping career. Having trained extensively with World class trainers in all three disciplines over the last fifteen years, the valuable experience gained from being based with German Dressage trainer Gisela Holstein now could be put to good use training the young Showjumping horses.

Since changing to Showjumping, Cressy has ridden for Belgium dealer Francois Mathy, successfully competed in the Lummen Derby, Hickstead Derby Trial, and International 1.50m classes, as well as the Young Horse World Breeding Championship at Zangersheide.

After four and a half years riding for the Hill House Equine team, Cressy is now based back in Haslemere producing her own and owner’s horses with an exciting team of young horses on the International circuit and three fantastic kids aged 4, 6 and 8 and a few lovely liveries to join in the fun.

“Cressy is an elegant and effective dressage rider. She is truly dedicated to her sport and has a very good team around her. All these attributes mean that in the competition arena she produces tests that are not only technically correct but also stunning to watch. I really enjoy being part of the support team of such a rising star.” Charlotte Lassetter — ABRS ATD

“Cressy is possibly one of the most talented young riders in the world. I have helped Cressy in her training over the last five years and have found her to be amazingly dedicated in her training with an unshakable competitive spirit. I feel certain that given the right support and opportunities Cressy could be one of the superstars of the future.” Matt Ryan – O.A.M. Triple Olympic Three-day Event Gold Medallist

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Cressida for the last five years, and have always found her very professional, talented, dedicated and a real competitor and can fully recommend her for any sponsorship.” Yogi Breisner FBHS — past British Eventing Performance Manager & National Coach

Beech Farm Stables, Grayswood Road, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2DF