ABOUT Jonty EVANS
Olympic Event Rider & Eventing Coach in the Cotswolds
Jonty Evans is a former Olympic event rider, BE Level 3 coach, and motivational speaker, now based near Broadway in the Cotswolds. With over 30 years of experience competing and coaching at the highest level, Jonty works with riders of all abilities - from novice and grassroots riders through to international eventing combinations.
Career Beginnings &
International Success
Growing up in North Wales, Jonty began riding at an early age and honed his skills working with experienced trainers across the UK and Ireland, including apprenticeships with Tuffy Tilley, Adrienne Hallam, John Thelwall and Chris McGrann.
He later worked closely with Andrew Nicholson - one of the sport’s legends - before stepping out on his own in the Cotswolds with just one ex-racehorse to begin competing internationally. Over the years, Jonty built a reputation for consistent performances at CCI5*, including strong results at Badminton.
He notably represented Ireland at the 2016 Rio Olympics where he finished ninth individually and eighth with the team.
An Extraordinary Partnership: Art & “Art’s Amazing Family”
In 2011, Jonty came to the aid of a horse, Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”) from a broken-down horsebox on the roadside. What followed was extraordinary; produced from a 5yo by Jonty, Art blossomed into a world‑class event horse, earning Olympic qualification and public attention when a community-crowdfunded campaign in 2017 raised over £500,000 to buy him back, spawning “Art’s Amazing Family.”
Recovery & Reinvention
In June 2018, Jonty suffered a major brain injury following a cross-country fall at Tattersalls. He was in a coma for seven weeks and faced uncertain prospects, relearning basic functions like walking and speaking. Yet, by December 2018 he was back in the saddle, and a year later competing and coaching full time. Today’s Perspective & Coaching Ethos as well as Jonty’s experiences have shaped his unique coaching approach. He believes success is built on empathy, confidence, horse welfare, and clear communication - not just results. He helps riders navigate challenges calmly, develop trust with their horses, and ride with intention.
Since his recovery, Jonty has continued competing and coaching, and now shares his experience of resilience and recovery as a motivational speaker - as well as coaching and running a livery yard near Broadway in the Cotswolds.
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British Eventing Level 3 (BECC3) Accredited Coach
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BHSii Certified
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Olympic Rider/5* Event Rider – Represented Ireland at Rio 2016
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Guest trainer and speaker for riding clubs, Pony Club, and international events
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Over 30 years of coaching experience, from grassroots riders to 4* competitors
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Featured speaker on resilience, mindset, and equestrian performance