As a child the Stewartry Pony club was his starting point. He was on the winning area show jumping team riding Maria Magenta.

He continued his passion studying Equine Science at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire. Returning to Central Scotland, running a private yard producing WHP’s and Young Horses. Here he sat Riding and Coaching exams.

Time to experience things on the other side of the world. New Zealand was the chosen country. A different management system, horses thrived living out 24/7. Lots was learnt from breaking in tb’s and working within a team. Riding 18 in one day was the record! Fond memories from his time with Joe Yorke and Eion Kemp.

Eventing was always Ritchie’s passion. Back in the the UK, he was working Freelance on a couple of 5* yards (Nicki Roncoroni and Ruth Edge). Horses were produced competitively. He rode all of the horses from babies to the “big boys”

Caroline Carter recruitment called out of the blue. Emergency cover was required at a yard in the Cotswolds. Ritchie arrived at a yard that resembled a photographic venue. The most magical yard one could dream of. It was home to Lady C Bamford. A decade passed – Ritchie made memories for life. Teaching, Training, Riding, Sourcing, Producing and Competing. A saying that was once said to him was firmly ingrained. “Good things come to those who wait.” No “Good things come to those who work their a**es off and never give up.”

Whilst in the Cotswolds; Simon Nicholson – winner of the Foxhunter title trained Ritchie for eight years. They had a mutual respect for the sympathetic system. “Horses are not machines. We produce them for the future.” Rider position and the horses technique was the focus.

Dan Greenwood – Grand Prix dressage Rider, trained Ritchie on the flat. Ritchie gained his first 10. This test has since been framed! A proud day was winning his section at Nunney International against Laura Collett and Mark Todd.

Moreton Morrell (BE) springs to mind. Riding down the final centre line, the dressage judge got out their car. One was meant to halt at G, not X. Oops. 2 marks lost. The judge remarked on the lovely partnership and wished them all the luck for the future. At the end of the day, scores were up. It was a Win – double clear with the best dressage score of the day. 16.8.

Hambleton International Horse Trials. A special horse was lost whilst competing. Ritchie had worked so hard, leading the dressage. Always a exuberant jumper, this horse fractured his fetlock joint going x country. Bourton Vale tried their best. Sadly it wasn’t meant to be. An oil painting by Eugenia Chapman Campbell now hangs in a special place. Viking was a horse of a life time. The reason to get up every morning and train.

A change in discipline was decided. Showjumping. Ritchie went to watch the Global Champions Tour in London. His idols were Ben Maher and Scott Brash. The following week he was jumping himself at the Longines Deville Classic in France. Jumping double clear each day was like winning. Catoka was the kindest mare with phenomenal scope. That year finished with a tour at Olivia Nova in Spain.

March 2022. There was an ad for an audition with a film company. Ritchie’s best friend coaxed him into applying. It was for a Rider. “When can you start?” Outlander season 7 was filming their new season the following week. Authentic horses. A completely different role altogether. Ritchie gave his all, as always. A refreshing change of scene with a great crew too. The season progressed with Body Doubling for Charles Vandervaart and David Berry.

Ritchie had built up a loyal reputation over the years. His integrity and honesty were qualities engrained. People would call … “You sold us… we are now looking for another special…” This meant so much. It was time to put a web page together and allow people to view for themselves. Ritchie respects privacy. This will always carry forward. Clients will have piece of mind. Confidentiality is key.