Glamour, prestige, and the rush of the entertainment industry have shaped Amy Kitchingman’s career, but beneath the dazzling exterior lies a story of evolution and newfound passion. After being crowned Miss Great Britain in 2007 and establishing herself as an internationally recognized television presenter, Amy’s trajectory seemed defined by red carpets and high-profile events. Yet, behind the scenes, she discovered an unexpected love—one rooted in the discipline, elegance, and thrill of equestrian pursuits.
For Amy, riding is more than sport—it’s escapism, a sanctuary from the relentless pace of the entertainment world. In this exclusive feature, she reveals the shift from fast-paced broadcasting to the profound artistry of riding, sharing how this new endeavor has reshaped her perspective on ambition, self-discovery, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. More than a transition, her story is a testament to reinvention and the courage to embrace new challenges.
It’s my therapy. I’m not the kind of person who can sit still in a therapist’s chair and talk for an hour — but give me a horse and 50 minutes in the saddle, and that’s where I find my peace.
Can you share a bit about your journey—how did your path lead you to where you are today?
My journey has been anything but conventional. I started in the world of pageantry and was crowned Miss Great Britain, which led me to compete in the world finals. That experience opened so many doors and gave me the confidence to step into the world of television presenting. Since then I’ve spent the last decade building a career as a TV presenter, hosting shows and filming internationally. It’s been an incredible experience, fast-paced, high-energy, and often unpredictable.
Due to my whirlwind lifestyle. I never imagined I’d have space in my life for something like owning a horse, purely because of the hours I work and the travel involved. But at the start of this year, I made a decision. I stopped making excuses and decided that if I wanted to pursue something I loved I’d find a way to make it work. And I did. I bought my horse, Jaden, and built a new part of my life around that passion. That’s been a game-changer.
What led you to discover a passion for equestrian sports?
I actually started riding about 18 months ago, it’s all started from a desert hack (let’s be honest it was basically me walking very slow through the desert, panicking every time the horses ear twitched because I thought it was getting ready to throw me off) however from that moment, something clicked.
I didn’t grow up riding, this came to me later in life, but the connection I felt with the horse, the calm it brought me, and the pure joy of learning something completely new… it was addictive. It became more than a hobby, it became a part of my identity. (I literally can’t have a conversation with anyone without horse riding being a topic of conversation)
And buying my own horse, Jaden, really solidified that. It’s been the most empowering decision I’ve made in years.
You don’t need to have grown up riding. You just need curiosity, commitment, and a little bit of courage. The rest comes with time.
What does equestrian sport mean to you, and how does it improve your life balance?
It’s my therapy. I’m not the kind of person who can sit still in a therapist’s chair and talk for an hour — but give me a horse and 50 minutes in the saddle, and that’s where I find my peace. Riding forces me to be present. It’s just me and the horse, and you can’t fake that connection. You have to be fully in tune, mentally, emotionally, physically. That kind of focus quiets everything else down. It’s been so mentally healing for me. Riding gives me space to disconnect and just be.
What would you say to young girls or women who want to get involved in equestrian sport but don’t know where to start?
I’d say just start. Don’t let age, your job, or your lifestyle hold you back. I’m 38 and only just got into this world. There’s this unspoken idea that we have a “sell-by date” for starting new things. Especially as women, we’re expected to always put ourselves second to our careers, our families, or society’s expectations. But I’ve learned that it’s not selfish to pursue your own joy. You don’t need to have grown up riding. You just need curiosity, commitment, and a little bit of courage. The rest comes with time.
In both media and equestrianism, confidence is key. How do you cultivate that mindset?
Confidence comes from showing up. Whether it’s on set or in the arena, I’ve learned that consistency is everything. You can’t wait until you feel confident to take action, you build confidence by doing the thing, even when you feel unsure. That’s how it’s been for me with riding. I’ve fallen off. I’ve doubted myself. I’ve had tough days. But I’ve also had moments where I achieved something I didn’t think I could. That’s where confidence grows, in the quiet wins, the early mornings, the resilience. And that mentality has definitely spilled over into my work life, too.
If you could ride a horse anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would absolutely love to work on a ranch in America. I’m obsessed with the TV show Yellowstone, there’s something so raw and captivating about that lifestyle. I’ve had the opportunity to ride Western a couple of times, and it’s definitely a skill set I’d love to refine. So spending time on a ranch, riding through those wide open landscapes in the States, would be a huge pleasure.
Alternatively, there’s a stunning hotel in Tuscany called Reschio, which has the most beautiful equestrian facilities. You can go out on hacks through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside or take part in dressage lessons in this picturesque arena that looks like something out of a dream. Honestly, riding like a cowboy in Montana or training in the elegance of Italy, I’d be thrilled with either.
Bridging the glitz of high-profile events with the serene joy of equestrian life, Amy Kitchingman is constantly rewriting her own narrative. Recently, she hosted the Hive Furniture Show 2025—one of the region’s most dynamic furniture exhibitions—proving that exploration and growth can coalesce with a high-energy career. Whether she’s captivating audiences on television or finding solace in the saddle with her horse Jaden, Amy’s journey invites us all to embrace new passions at any stage of life.
Follow her evolving adventures on Instagram at @amyk.tv where the spotlight meets the quiet rustle of hay in a truly inspiring blend of glamour and grit.
