Alexa Palmer is a distinguished British equestrian, recognised for her accomplishments in eventing and dressage. She has earned a gold medal as a GB Student Rider and holds the UKCC Level 2 coaching certification in British Showjumping. Her commitment to nurturing young horses and riders is evident through her involvement with the British Eventing Tier 1 Talent Academy.
As one of our Hilton Herbs Ambassadors, Alexa often shares her experiences and insights into equine care, particularly the benefits of using natural supplements, so we asked her a few questions to get to know her better.
Tell us about your career and background
I was fortunate to grow up in the countryside with a horsey Mum, and a fantastic local Pony Club. I still coach at Cattistock Pony Club Camp.
My three sisters also enjoyed riding, but I wanted to spend all my time with the horses and really enjoyed training youngsters.
I competed at Pony Trials with two ponies who had never evented; one had only jumped a few fences when we bought him!
Jumping double clear at my first National Championship aged 14 was very special and to compete at Brand Hall Junior National Championships with my first horse two years later was brilliant.
In 2016, I finished school and after many hours studying on the way to competitions, I earned top grades and a place at Exeter University to study BSc Business Economics (a tactful decision that allowed me to continue to juggle horses and education and remain the only person to ride the horses at Greenhays Stud).
As most normal students went travelling, I bought Super Nova without a vetting or competition record at age four to enjoy my year riding horses before starting university.
This was the best decision of my life and, by age 10, she had been top 10 at her first 4* and 3rd at Advanced. We also placed 3rd at the 6-year-old Young Horse National Eventing Championship and won the BD Youth A Squad Inter-County Challenge with a podium finish at the Home International.

How did you get into horses?
Horses have been a part of my life since childhood. I probably sat on a horse before I could walk! I participated in Pony Club rallies, attended Pony Club camp and represented area teams at the PC Championships. Mum started breeding when she was having children, and our family-run Greenhays Stud has meant that I have grown up with young horses.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have been very lucky to have many outstanding results, most of which have been with my talented little mare, Super Nova. These include 3rd at the 6-year-old National Young Horse Eventing Championship in 2019, top 10 in our first 4* and 3rd in the Advanced u25 class at Aston Le Walls.
Best of all would be the buzz of finishing 2nd to World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir at Belsay International after a great dressage and speedy double clear in 2023.
How has your 2022 injury changed you as a rider?
I was fortunate to return to the saddle three months after a serious spinal injury in 2022. I got up and walked away from the fall before realising shock had covered up an injury that nearly left me unable to walk.
Three fractured vertebrae, broken ribs and torn neck muscles were partnered by swelling between all my vertebrae. For weeks I was wearing a neck brace, struggling to walk, unable to hold anything but determined to return to the saddle. The fall gave me time to reflect and improve non-ridden skills such as mental rehearsal, which has supported my success since.
My strength took a significant knock and I have had to consider my injuries when doing fitness work. I have always valued the partnership I have with our horses, and all the horses I train are very responsive to the voice.
Tell us a bit about Greenhays Stud?
Greenhays Stud was started by my Mum 30 years ago. The breeding program aims to produce talented young horses with fantastic bloodlines, correct confirmation and trainable temperaments.
What's it like working as a trainer?
I coach riders of all ages at different stages of their ridden careers. It is very rewarding to be facilitating performance and enjoyment. It also works very well when I ride horses and ponies alongside the coaching to facilitate ride-ability.
How did you discover Super Nova?
Super Nova came from a local yard in Dorset as a 4-year-old project for me to train before I started university at the local Exeter University in 2017.
Her buzzy and fun personality matched a natural ability over a fence but she was very small which meant she suited me more than other riders.
Nova always wants to work and loves to be praised.
How has riding with her been?
Nova is not the size or stamp that you would expect for a horse who was one of the fastest to jump around her first 4* at 9-years-old with a top 10 finish.
This is because we know each other so well, and after years together it feels like we work off telepathy! The trust we have in each other has given us the winning edge and a lot of fun whatever we do at home or in competition.

Why you feed your horses Hilton Herbs?
I feed Hilton Herbs because it is a fantastic way to support the health of my horses naturally with no artificial fillers.
I feel that our horses no longer have the variety in their diet that they would have in the wild, and feeding herbal products is the best way to ensure they have all the nutrients they should obtain naturally to maximise their health and condition.
Is your younger sister Kitty looking to follow in your footsteps as a rider?
Kitty recently competed in the British Dressage Youth Inter-County Challenge at Bicton Arena. They finished a brilliant 7th in a competitive class and her 6-year-old New Forest pony was super. A fantastic result given that Kitty currently works in London, and I ride Sophie during the week.
I am happy that Kitty is the best supporter, and this is her favourite role. Teamwork makes the dream work!
What advice do you give her and other young riders?
Think about what you would like to achieve as a rider and what you would like to prioritise. If you have fun, you'll always look back on happy memories. Set goals and enjoy the journey!
Do you have any other animals?
I have a beautiful working golden retriever with a mindset to match! She's very active and not slowing down at 9 years old thanks to Senior Dog Gold!
Thanks to Alexa Palmer for being a wonderful Ambassador for us. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to learn more.