'I am being filmed for ITV Evening News, which is so exciting' - Dulcie West

Last Monday Dulcie West, 19, of North Farm Stud, near Wantage, was named winner of the Stud Staff category at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, for which the prize was £5,000, with an additional £5,000 going to her stud. Here, she tells us about her background and the excitement of her accolade.

Congratulations on your Stud Staff award - what has the reaction been like?

The reaction to the award has been overwhelming. I'm now being filmed this coming week for ITV Evening News, which is so exciting, and I have had so many good wishes and messages from various racing people, family and friends. There's been a huge reaction and I'm so proud to be the winner of this prestigious award.

Did you find the awards process an enjoyable experience, nerve-wracking or a bit of both?

I found the process exciting, actually. I prepared as best I could and thought a lot about how I felt about what I do and what questions I may be asked and how to answer them. I feel it has done me a lot of good and made me realise how very lucky I am to be doing what I love so much. I get so many chances to do so many exciting things at North Farm Stud, there is never a day the same here.

Fill us in on your background in bloodstock and with horses…

I met Grace [Muir, director and stud manager] when I was seven and very soon got a pony and started to ride regularly. I progressed up the heights of pony and pony club, until we decided to have a go at pony racing, which was amazing. I had, still have, a pony called Savvy. At 14.2hh, he was like a small racehorse, and I was able to ride him out with a string in Lambourn. We did really well, winning at Lingfield, finishing second at Cheltenham - we weren't so lucky at Ascot - but what an opportunity to ride at those three courses.

I have done everything from dressage, ODEs, showjumping and pony racing and simply had so much fun. I started at North Farm Stud when I had finished school at 16 and am still lucky enough to compete on ex-racehorses. I was third in the RoR novice championships in 2021 on a retrained ex-racehorse called Grey Missile; he is an extraordinary mover and that was a great experience. I have done everything with horses, from foaling to retraining and everything in the middle, and am excited for what comes next.

It's well-documented now that you suffered a stroke - it obviously did not stop you in your tracks...

I first noticed a problem in 2015 when I was 12, as I had reduced usage and motion of my left hand. I went to my GP and was referred to a paediatric neurologist in London. Following extensive tests and MRI, I was diagnosed as having had a stroke. It was a shock to my family but I took it in my stride and went for further tests to try to work out why it had happened. They never gave me a reason for the stroke following the extensive blood tests and scans, but I went through Oaksey House to Hobbs Rehabilitation, who are stroke physios, and worked with them to try to regain better use of my left hand.

Dulcie West: has never allowed an unexplained stroke to get in her wayCredit: Dan Abraham

I always found ways to do things and it never stopped me from succeeding at what I wanted to do. I rode in those pony races and no-one knew about it. I loved riding and always tried very hard with it; I was lucky to have top quality trainers who have always worked on my symmetry and straightness when riding, so we have never really noticed it as a problem. I still struggle picking up small objects, doing buttons, etc, but have never made a big deal about it. If anything, I feel it has made me stronger as a person and if I can help other people overcome ailments like mine I'll be delighted, as with determination we can all achieve our goals. This is what they instil in the learning at North Farm Stud and Heros education, and it is very true that anyone who wants to can reach their goals in life.

Is there an aspect or aspects of your role at North Farm you particularly relish?

I love handling the foals and getting them braver for the life they have ahead; I figure if they are brave and bold, life will be easier and less scary for them moving forward. I also love the reschooling and retraining of ex-racehorses, as they are so versatile and clever, and any job is possible with the right training.

And anything you wouldn’t be first to volunteer for…?

Tack cleaning isn’t my favourite job; we are made to clean it every time it is used here!

Do you have a favourite sire and/or racehorse, past or present?

One of my favourite ex-racehorses is Shipping Forecast, who came to North Farm to rehabilitate having suffered a pelvic fracture. We are now competing at dressage and aiming for the RoR finals and are sponsored this year by Protexin. He is a Heros horse and is by Harbour Watch, so I guess he is a favourite sire - he certainly produces good-looking individuals, like Pyledriver of William Muir’s, Grace’s brother. Obvious other ones are Frankel, who I remember watching when I was younger do some amazing things on the racecourse, and of course Enable, who was awesome.

Dulcie West: 'My other passion is goats'

Away from the stud, what other interests do you have?

I love showjumping, albeit that’s not away from the stud. I'm lucky to have a nice showjumper who I try to get out competing with on my weekends off. My other passion is goats. I got them for my 18th birthday present and I adore them and would spend all day long with them if I could. They are Anglo-Nubians and have huge characters. They are also used for teaching the special educational needs children who come to Heros every week; they are great at interacting with the children.

If you could tick off one thing on your bucket list, what would that be and why?

I want to ride in the Heros charity race, hopefully this year at Newbury in August. My problem is time, as I am always so busy, but if possible that is the next thing I want to do. I have already discussed it with Roger Teal, who would be prepared to leg me up if I put the time in early every morning.

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