WITH two Olympians as parents, you could be forgiven for thinking that to follow in their footsteps would be the obvious choice, writes NICKI STRONG.

That hasn’t always been the case for Rockley-based eventer Lissa Green, however.

Only last year the 24-year-old daughter of David and Lucinda Green turned her attentions to eventing full time, having previously studied criminology and forensic science at Bristol University and only dabbled in eventing as a hobby.

“I always loved it, but I wanted to be different,” explained Green.

“I wanted to go and do my own thing rather than what people expected of me.”

Since moving to the home of the eventing elite near Marlborough in February of this year, Green has independently established a small yard of horses and begun to ply her trade riding from BE90 up to advanced level.

When asked of her highlights thus far, she said: “I haven’t done anything to be proud of yet.

“I do get such a buzz from working with the baby horses though, so I’d say that was my personal highlight.”

Her modesty is almost a trademark, but perhaps having grown up around a lady who won Badminton six times the bar is set rather high.

Far from having success handed to her on a plate, Green is starting out with a yard of tricky or inexperienced horses, and it’s clear that she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I do like the naughty horses,” she added. “I always look forward to riding Daisy, she’s given me a few comedy moments.”

Jack is the horse she currently competes on at advanced level and Green revealed he is quite a character.

“Jack (CTS So What) is a tricky horse,” she explained. “You have to work quite hard with him as he is so built on the forehand you’re always trying to help him out.

“He has a known history of stopping and running out which I knew about when I took him on, but he does have the talent and is such a character I’m determined to find a way through to him.

“We will aim for CIC*** providing we can get our brakes and steering sorted.”

In terms of the future, Green is particularly excited about Destiny, a mare she sourced and imported from Ireland in December.

Destiny is recovering from a recent injury, but Green has an inkling she could be quite special.

Green said: “I think she’s definitely one of the most talented horses I’ve ever ridden.

“After taking her cross country for the first time I was blown away.

“I will be aiming her for Osberton CCI** and perhaps an Advanced run if all goes well.”

Green has her own ideas and training methods, which have been informed by a number of influences over the years. She currently has regular dressage training with Ali Byrne, and spent time training with Bettina Hoy over winter.

Asked of her parents influence, she says: “Dad is an unreal showjumping trainer.

“I wish I’d realised this more before he moved to Australia , but he’s always on the end of the phone if I need advice or help with warming up.

“Mum is great, she helps out sometimes when we’re training at home and sometimes it’s good to have a second opinion.

“We have quite a good relationship as we’re both stubborn, so she never tells me what to do – just makes some suggestions like ‘why don’t you try this’ or builds a grid for me to try when she’s there. She doesn’t interfere but she’s there if I need her.”

Cross country is Green’s first love, and it’s clear that some of her mum’s ease and style in this discipline has been passed down. She tries to keep schooling in the arena to minimum for her horse’s sake.

“I think you can overdo the schooling, especially with younger horses,” added Green. “I tend to do most of my schooling out hacking to keep it fun and interesting.

“The hacking here is amazing and the horses love it.

“There are hills everywhere so it’s absolutely brilliant for fitness. I think I’ll have some of the fittest horses on the circuit.”

Being based so close to Marlborough is like coming home for Green, who grew up at Maizey Manor.

“Barbury is one of my favourite events too, I love it there,” said Green.

“My dad first had the idea to have a course there, he thought it would be an amazing venue and got talking to the owner of the estate so that’s how it all came about.”