Biography

British rider Gemma Stevens (40) gained her 9^th completion of the event last year with Chilli Knight (14^th) one of two entries this year – she placed 6^th with Jalapeno in 2023.

Gemma first completed Badminton in 2007 (Jesters Quest) and then became known for her former partnership with Arctic Soul with who she completed Badminton five years in a row. With Arctic Soul she was a member of the British team for the 2018 World Championships in Tryon winning team gold. In 2017 she was a member of the British squad for the European Championships riding as an individual and completing in 8^th place with Quicklook V. In 2016 with Quicklook she was a member of the team for the Rio Olympic Games. Earlier that year she gained a career best result when 3^rd at Badminton with Arctic Soul – the pair was 3^rd at Burghley in 2017.

She now spends much time competing in international showjumping classes – in December she won the six bar class at the London International (Envoy Merelsnest Z) a feat the combination repeated in Hong Kong CSI5* in February where she also competed in the high bar and the puissance.

Gemma is based at the purpose built yard of Tattleton Stud in Horsham. Gemma relocated to Tattleton in 2009 from the riding school and livery yard (Hylands Yard) owned by her mother, where she had lived and learnt to ride from a young age. By the age of eight, Gemma had started to win in dressage and eventing. She passed her Pony Club A test and was a member of the British junior squad. In 2003 she took the ride on Jesters Quest and the following year the pair won the National U-21 Championship and in 2005 & ‘06 Young Rider team gold medals. In 2007 the pair made its four-star debut completing both Badminton and Burghley. In 2009 she was given the ride on Kings Gem with who she won the U-25 championship in 2010.

In 2013 with Arctic soul she was reserve for the British European team. In 2014 after an impressive cross country round at Badminton, the pair was unlucky to be eliminated for missing a flag at Huntsman’s Close – but were reserves for the British team for the WEG. In 2015 they placed 16^th at Badminton and later that year she made her senior championship debut at the European Championships at Blair Castle, finishing in 9^th place with Arctic Soul.

In 2015 she gained her first CIC3* win, at Burgham with Chico Bella and in 2016 the pair won the CIC3* at Bramham. In 2016 with Chilli’s Gem she finished 7^th in CCI2* at the World Young Horse Championships. In 2017 she earned the title of National Champion having won the 2017 British Open CIC3* at Gatcombe with Arctic Soul.

Gemma (nee Tattersall) trains with Ian Woodhead and Richard Waygood. In June 2022 she married Gary Stevens.

Jalapeno owned by Christopher Stone is a 17-year-old British-bred SHB(GB) registered mare. Bred by event rider Nick Gauntlett she is by the former Badminton winner Chilli Morning out of a mare by the thoroughbred Shaab. She was formerly produced in the sport and competed to 3* by Belgian Olympic rider Karin Donckers with who she was 10^th in the World six-year-old Championships.

Chilli Knight is a 15 year-old British-bred SHB(GB) registered gelding. Bred by Christopher Stone former Badminton winner Chilli Morning – also the sire of Jalapeno out of Kings Gem by the advanced event stallion Rock King. He has been produced by Gemma and in 2021 the pair won the 5*L at Bicton – Gemma’s first FEI win.