Event rider. Founder of Cool Ridings. On a mission to show that people from diverse backgrounds can and should have a place in equestrian sport.
Lydia Heywood started riding aged 11 at a local riding school, supported by her late mother Claire who worked tirelessly to keep their shared dream alive. She progressed quickly to national-level show jumping before committing to eventing, and in 2017 secured dual nationality to begin representing Jamaica at international level, where she is one of very few riders of colour.
"Children can't be what they don't see."
Seeing Lydia compete for Jamaica resonates deeply with younger riders. Every level she climbs is about visibility: showing the next generation that the sport can be for them too.
"Children can't be what they don't see."
Lydia is determined to increase representation in equestrian sport by creating and distributing opportunities for the next generation.
In 2017, a visit to Ebony Horse Club grew into years of mentoring young people from inner-city communities. Lydia has seen and experienced first-hand the impact that access, opportunity and representation can have.
Alongside her own competitive career, Lydia founded Cool Ridings to distribute opportunities and support riders from underrepresented backgrounds. Inspired by her own journey through the sport, initiatives are built to create a sense of belonging and build confidence as Members work towards their unique goals.
"Having relatable people around you can make all the difference."
When Lydia was ten, getting her first riding helmet was a traumatic experience. Her hair was labelled "troublesome", and blamed for the fact that nothing fit her properly.
Nearly two decades on, Lydia has turned that moment into industry-wide change. In partnership with Charles Owen, Lydia and Cool Ridings have helped develop a new training programme equipping retailers to fit helmets of all styles properly for riders with Afro-Caribbean hair and protective styles.
Lydia also visited the Charles Owen factory in North Wales to prototype a new helmet design built specifically for riders with afro-textured hair.
"Together, we're taking steps to make riding more accessible and enjoyable for everyone."
Beyond the saddle, Lydia is a compelling voice on representation, resilience and what it takes to break into a closed sport. A seasoned speaker, she is available for corporates, conferences and brand events.
From riding schools to her own yard, Lydia is a generous and exacting coach with riders at every level. She is available for guest coaching days, private lessons, group teaching off-site and themed clinics.
To challenge on the world stage, a rider needs the right horsepower behind them. Two syndicates are open for the 2026 season — one following a young horse through her foundational year, the other backing a competition horse soon to be purchased. For investors who want more than access, there is also a separate opportunity to take a real ownership stake in a horse Lydia is producing through the levels.