Let me introduce myself, Clare, a dreamer with big aspirations. My love for horses started at a young age when I laid eyes on the horses in a field behind my family home on the Naval estate in Eastney, Portsmouth. From that moment, I became obsessed with horses and couldn't stop talking about them.
At the age of 10, my big sister found a stable that we could reach by train. This opened up a whole new world for me, and I spent all my time with the horses. My dad, however, insisted that I would only have my own horse when I could afford one myself. Challenge accepted!
I started taking odd jobs, from tidying gardens to housework, anything I could find to save up money. At the age of 14, I bought my first pony, a beautiful New Forest pony named Fern. I continued doing odd jobs to pay for her stable and food. While my dad was not too pleased, my mom thought it was fantastic.
At 16, I began working for a racing stable and became a jockey, experiencing the thrill of faster horses. I then worked as a personal groom for top showjumpers and dressage riders, traveling across the country and assisting them at various Showgrounds. It was an amazing experience, and I even got to compete in some shows with my pony Fern and another horse called Pagan.
As life got more complicated in my 20s with three children, I had to say goodbye to Fern and Pagan as they reached the end of their natural life. Working with horses had to come to an end, and I found a job in healthcare, eventually working for the NHS in maternity. Although I loved my job, I longed to be outdoors in the mud and all weathers.
In 2016, I lost my beautiful mom at the young age of 56 to stomach cancer. She was my best friend and biggest supporter, always encouraging me to follow my dreams and be brave. In my darkest moments, I remembered the dreams I had as a child and the excitement I felt whenever I saw a horse. I knew I had to find a way to pursue my dream once again.
Life is far too short!
That's when the idea of Princess the unicorn and friends was born. I wanted a different life, to be myself again, and to spread magic and create lasting memories. Made people smile, With the support of my amazing husband, children, family, and friends, I made this dream a reality.
When I met Princess, it felt like she had been waiting for me. From the moment I walked into her stable, she had already chosen me. She was fearless, unphased by anything, and loved attention, especially having her photo taken. She was the unicorn I had always dreamed of as a child.
Juggling a full-time job at the NHS and starting a business was not easy, but I was back doing what I loved.
Surprising children with Princess at their front door and leaving them spellbound became the best job in the world. Unfortunately, COVID-19 disrupted my plans, but I was grateful to still have my job at the hospital.
The past few years have been challenging, with many learning curves and tests for me and my family. However, I adore the world I have created and the joy I have brought to people's lives through Princess.
My mom always told me to have courage and be kind, and those words continue to inspire me.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, true friends, and the supporters who have become friends. This dream is just beginning, and I have massive ideas that I now need to turn into reality. Thank you for reading this far, and I hope you join me on this incredible journey. 💜🦄💜