The first few months of 2025 have been particularly exciting for us here at GFS HQ. Not only have we unveiled our brand-new GFS Premier Range, which has been positively received by both our trusted GFS saddle fitters and customers alike, but last month we also announced that we had taken on our first GFS Brand Ambassador, Gracie Catling.

Gracie is a talented upcoming dressage rider who has already ridden up to Grand Prix level. She balances her training alongside her studies at Loughborough University. Taking Friesian horses to the very top level of the sport, Gracie has previously represented Great Britain at both Junior and Young Rider level and has most recently been selected to compete for her country again, this time as part of the student rider squad.

In this blog, we sit down with the inaugural member of #TeamGFS to get to know her a little bit better. Here is what she had to say:

 

Q: Gracie, tell us a little bit about your journey in dressage. How did you get started in the sport, and when did you decide that it was the discipline for you?

A: I have always had dressage in my life, my mum is a dressage judge and competed herself before I was born. Her trainer used to push my pram around the arena when giving lessons, and she often jokes that everything he shouted at her must have gone into me as a baby, so I had a good foundation!

I rode before I could walk and mainly loved showjumping. Then, we were sent a cheeky show pony called Chatty. He went from unaffiliated Intro to Pony Squad trials and won two regionals within my first six months of riding him.

Q: What does a typical day in your life look like at the moment? You train multiple horses at different levels, how do you stay organised and juggle this?

A: My week is very full on while I’m finishing university. I typically spend Monday afternoon and Tuesday at university. Then I will drop into Kontakt Dressage and ride Frank and Ginge, both owned by Kirsty Farren. I try and do this 2/3 times a week. I have 5 horses at home who need exercising, the amount dependent on what we have coming up. I do all the schooling myself, mum and I hack them together and then mum also lunges anything I haven’t time to ride.

I usually do my university work in the evenings and if I have deadlines looming the yard is mainly taken care of by mum, but we always do afternoon and evening stables together.

Q: Why has working with GFS Saddles been so beneficial given that you have lots of different types of horses on your yard?

A: Our horses usually come to us with their owner’s tack and some horses come with nothing at all. Sometimes this means the saddles are more suited for a different rider or not dressage specific.

When GFS first got involved, they checked all of our saddles and confirmed that they fit, but were confident they could improve them all. Most saddlers shy away from Friesians! But GFS immediately knew what would work on my horses. When I first rode in their tack, the difference was obvious. Generally, I found that I had more freedom and better posture. With one horse in particular, it transformed my ability to sit well on her, as she has such big movements. Within two weeks in the saddle her dressage scores had gone up.

Every part is adjustable, and GFS have been outstanding in their support after the initial fitting. Their eye for detail is incredible and they’re so passionate about what they do. I am so comfortable as it’s easily adjusted and tailored to me as well as the horse.

Q: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice at the start of your dressage journey, what would it be?

A: My mum would say take up a cheaper sport! I would say comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on yourself and your own journey. Somebody else will always have something you don’t, and more often than not the grass is not always greener.

Q: What is one standout moment from your dressage career so far?

A: I think having our own Friesian horse Jeb selected to represent Great Britain at Young Rider Level. As far as we’re aware, nobody else has ever represented their country on a Friesian at this level. Also training him and competing him at Grand Prix before I turned 21.

Q: Looking forward, are there any milestones or goals you're working towards this season or longer term in your dressage career?

A: Looking forward I am hoping to make dressage a professional career. My intention is to train horses to Grand Prix level, and I’m lucky to have started with a forgiving horse like Jeb. We have an exciting youngster in the field and two others who need breaking this year. I’d also like to progress my coaching qualifications and take my class 1 HGV!

Thanks Gracie, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for you throughout the rest of 2025 and beyond. 

 

Gracie rides in a combination of GFS Transition and GFS Premier tack, which can be viewed here: https://gfssaddles.com/desciplines-list.php?title=Dressage.