Today, we catapult into Part 2 of our introduction to the finalists of Season 1, celebrating the magnificent debut of Amy Potter in our spellbinding new Grassroots Rider Academy Series. Step into a journey that leads you through the tales of astounding grassroots equestrians that made the final 5.

This Series unfolds the stories of our exceptional finalists, explores the innovative minds orchestrating the magic behind the scenes, and most pivotally, shines the spotlight on the extraordinary FINAL 5 Riders, who have soared to pinnacle performances in Season 1 of The Grassroots Rider Academy.

Welcome to a series that opens a unique portal into the lives of these ascending stars, offering a sneak peek into the looming future of equestrian brilliance while honouring every contribution made along this phenomenal journey. Standing boldly at the forefront of this incredible showcase is the magical and incredibly supportive Amy Potter. Enjoy this special feature as we delve into the heartening narrative of Amy Potter and her journey toward the limelight with Freddie. Together, we celebrate courage, dedication, and the spirited adventure toward stardom in the equestrian universe!

Huge shout out to our sponsors of the #GRGRiderAcademy Finalists Series, Paul and the wonderful team EquineRecruitment.ie.

They just launched a new website, check it out here: https://www.equinerecruitment.ie/

So lets kick this off with the wonderful Amy Potter.

Who are you and what do you do? Tell us a little bit about yourself? My name is Amy, I’m  a mother of two and an actor, I also teach Drama. I spend much of my time begging Directors to let me be the voice of a potato or dress up as a banana so I can pay for Freddie (incidentally, I’m available for weddings, funerals and baptisms – will exchange for a set of horse shoes). I know I sound English, but I’m Welsh – I married an Irish man.

Favourite earliest memory on a horse or pony? It was winning my first trophy on my pony, Bimbo. It was with the Pony Club for “Most Improved Rider”. He wasn’t the prettiest with his wonky smile, but I loved him so much. 

Why the equestrian life? It is a tough, unwavering, relentless, fun filled and loving life but WHY is this the life you want to live? I wish I knew. I think it has something to do with connection. There’s nothing like that feeling, when you have that special bond and your heading to a XC fence trusting each other. Plus I love the smell. Can’t explain it. 

Part of your life has been an Actress: Tell us about that and the mindset it takes…

I wouldn’t recommend being an actor! It’s a hard life, not in the least bit glamorous – the knock backs are immense, but so freeing and fun when you’re working. I’ve had to learn to ignore the rejection and not take it personally. Freddie turned things around for me – the rejection had less power and I found the joy in it again.  I just went out to the stable and my world was right again  – he’s my happy place and my escape. Horses are amazing, you get back what you put in, there’s so much power and joy in that. 

B.) Any alignment or correlation with being an equestrian or equestrian life? If not, ignore B.). How different has shooting the series been versus being an actress on screen or on stage?

Totally different! I don’t mind the cameras as I’m used to them, but as an actor you’re someone else  whereas at Grassroots I was myself, it was a vulnerable place to be but empowering. I learned so much about myself and it’s helped me in every aspect of my life. Learning to not mind what people think – it’s the most powerful super power. 

We recently saw your daughter win a Rosette I believe at The Dublin Horse Show? How did that make you feel?

She came 4th in the Show Hunter pony! I cried, I was so proud and so happy for her – she’d worked so hard all summer travelling to every show we could think of for her  to qualify –  it was her dream to go and she loves her pony so much she wanted everyone to see how amazing she is. We didn’t expect she’d place as it’s her first year showing. It was beyond our wildest dreams that she came 4th – she and her pony deserved it. 

It must be nice seeing how much she loves horses? Does it bring you back? It must be nice to have moments like that and a bond together.

It totally does – I feel so lucky to be able to give her what I had. I wish my son was into it too, but he thinks horses are “frightened of everything” and I can’t argue with that. My daughter has grown so much since she started, her resilience and determination continues to make me proud. She’s a gentle girl, but she’s strong and gritty when she has to be – the bond between her and her pony is extraordinarily. 

How do you think she will feel watching her mum on a Tv Show with her horse Freddie that will be watched around the world? She’s 13 so she’ll be ‘morto’ but secretly proud. She loves Freddie, so she’ll love watching him – she’s hoping there will be a Grassroots for under 18s so she can apply! 

About Freddie, tell us in 3 sentences what Freddie means to you Amy? (Cutest photo of ye together).

What can I say? He’s really my everything (obvs my kids first and potentially the husband…disclaimer there), he is my grounding rock, I’m just happy when I’m with him. If I’m fed up or overwhelmed, I go and see him. My husband says he knows when I’ve ridden by my mood. It’s not just any horse though, it’s Freddie. I can’t believe we found each other. 

What about Freddie makes him so special to you? Any unique traits does he have? (funniest photo you have of Freddie?

He’s sensitive and kind, but he can also be grumpy and I love that. He tells me how he feels about everything, sighs at me if I chat too long and I can practically feel him smiling when we do XC. He responds to me, if I’m excited and I whoop at a jump, he loves that. I was so nervous  after not riding for 20 years and and minded me, now I’m confident he has ‘skit’ with me and that means everything. He forgives my mistakes and he tries so hard for me. We’ve grown in confidence together. He’s my best friend. 

What has been your proudest moment of your journey with The Grassroots Rider Academy so far, and why is that moment so special to you? (Favourite Photo so far of Academy). 

That’s so hard because I was proud of it all, being selected was immense. I think my proudest moment was Freddie doing the XC, his trust in me whether I  made a mistake or not was very special. I’m beyond proud of him. 

How much has your belief in yourself changed or grown in the last few months?

 I’ve become so much more resilient and grounded. I came out thinking “my little horse and I  should just go for it”. My goal of a 1* was the pinnacle of my dream for us but now I don’t think we should limit ourselves to one dream, what if we can do more? 

If you could say one thing to your younger self now what would it be?

Don’t listen to other people.

Quick fire Questions?

Favourite Movie? Elf 

Favourite Song? Anything by Tom Jones – you better hope you’re not next to me if he comes on. 

Favourite Quote? “When one of us shines, we all shine” (Moira from Shitts Creek) My friend and I always say this to each other when the other one has done well – so if she jumps a 1.10 is basically means I did it too. Lol 

Favourite Series? Shitts Creek

Favourite Word? Cwtch (means cuddle in Welsh) 

Favourite Place you’ve ever visited? S. Africa  

Favourite Food? Pie and mash with loads of gravy!

Favourite Bar of Chocolate? Wispa 

Favourite Ice Cream? Chocolate 

Pineapple on a Pizza or Not? Absolutely not.

And that is a wrap folks.

Before you go, check out this brand new website from our Sponsors of this Series, Paul McGinty and the team at EquineRecruitment.ie.

Huge Thank you to EquineRecruitment.ie for sponsoring this series and supporting us to tell the stories of the Equestrians involved in producing the series, the Rising Stars of the Future and of course the Stars of Season 1 of the #GRGRiderAcademy.

Equine Recruitment stands as a beacon of professionalism in the equine industry, with a network that spans not only Europe but the entire globe. Rooted in Ireland’s rich equestrian tradition, we specialise in placing experienced workers within the racing, eventing, and show-jumping sectors worldwide.