More About Jonty | Jonty Evans Coaching

ABOUT Jonty

Jonty Evans is an Olympic event rider, coach, and inspirational speaker known for thoughtful horsemanship, elite competition experience, and exceptional resilience.

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.