I am Jo Barry, I started riding at the local riding school at the age of 4. Weekly lessons soon became whole weekends and then on as many evenings after school as were possible.

I got my first pony, a stroppy chestnut mare, when I was 8. She taught me how to stay on and we took part in Pony Club activities, Side Saddle and ventured in to the world of showing. During the next few years I rode at many of the major shows, the RIHS, HOYS and Olympia riding in SHP, WHP and M&M classes. With my 14hh SHP, I tried a few dressage tests and within a short period of time showing was left behind and British Pony Team selection was firmly in our sights! In 1993 selection was achieved and dressage started to become an addiction.

On leaving school I was offered a job with Carl Hester to fill in the few months of my gap year. A few months turned into 5yrs and University has never happened! During my time with Carl I was head girl, rode many of Carl's horses and rode to PSG competitively. In 1997 I won the National Talent Spotting and in 1998 headed the Young Rider Rankings. In 2000 I travelled to the Sydney Olympics to groom for Carl..an experience of a lifetime.
 
In early 2001 I returned home to just outside Edinburgh to run a livery, training and competition yard. It is from here that I am still based. The yard is run by myself and my mum, Flora. Ormiston is ideally positioned being only 10 minutes from the Edinburgh city bypass, M8 (junction 3), M9 (Newbridge interchange) and Edinburgh airport.

I travel throughout the UK to take clinics, I have my EFI Level 1 & 2 certificates and I'm an EFI qualified Tutor. I am accredited to The Scottish Equestrian Association, SportsScotland, British Dressage and The British Horse Society and I have the appropriate insurance, first aid and child protection cover. 

I travel to train with Carl Hester and Stephen Clarke and also compete throughout the UK. I have won 10 National and numerous Scottish Championships, qualifying many horses for Winter, Summer and Scottish Championships. During my dressage career, I have had the opportunity to receive training from some of the greatest riders and judges while participating on clinics and conventions taken by people such as Reiner Klimke, Nicole Uphoff, Hubertus Schmidt and Christoph Hess and I have been noted by these prominent figures to have the required talent. With my top horse Vivaldi V (Freddie), who I own with Lady Hope, I aim to achieve my lifelong goal of riding Internationally at Senior level..if all things go well maybe even with a place on a Senior Team!
 

Rider History
GB Pony Team 1993
GB Junior Team Shortlist 1994
Worked for Carl Hester 1996-2001
GB Talent Spotting Winner 1997
GB Young Rider Team Shortlist 1998
No 1 Ranked Young Rider 1998
AON Dressage Rider of the Year 2002
Pat Smallwood Training Award 2009

Number of Titles Won
10 British Championship Titles
11 Scottish Championship Titles

Number of Horses Qualified
16 for the British Winter Championships
18 for the British National Championships