If you’ve spent time at Macclesfield, Alderley Park, Congleton or Wilmslow Leisure Centres, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Abby Jones. Through her role with the Sport for Everybody Team, Abby is a familiar and valued face in the local community, coaching young people, supporting older adults to stay active, developing netball talent and encouraging more people to enjoy the benefits of sport.
Away from the leisure centres, horses are not simply a hobby for Abby. They are a way of life. Her days are centred around early mornings before work, late nights at the yard, feeding, mucking out, training, competing and ensuring her horses are cared for to the highest standard. It is a level of dedication that requires consistency, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment every single day.
Abby’s dedication has led to some remarkable achievements.
In April 2025, she celebrated national success with Champ, a horse she developed through patience, trust and years of hard work. Building on that success, Abby reached another milestone in August 2026 when, alongside her wonder horse Spirit, she was crowned British Riding Clubs National Eventing Champion. The achievement placed her among the very best in grassroots eventing.
However, Abby’s story is about far more than titles and trophies. Over the past few years, she has balanced:
• A busy coaching career with Everybody Health & Leisure
• A passion for helping others through sport
• The challenge of renovating a new home
• Personal health setbacks
• The daily responsibilities of caring for and competing with her horses
Throughout it all, Abby has continued to demonstrate the determination, positivity and work ethic that colleagues and community members know her for.
Behind the scenes, her success has been supported by her family. Her mum, Debby, has provided constant encouragement, practical support and shared commitment throughout the journey. Her dad has also played an important role, often acting as chief chauffeur to ensure Abby, her horses and all the necessary equipment arrive where they need to be.
While horses like Champ and Spirit are undoubtedly special, there is one common factor behind both success stories: Abby herself.
Her achievements reflect:
• Her care
• Her patience
• Her horsemanship
• Her resilience
• Her ability to keep moving forward through challenges and setbacks
The trusting environment she creates through consistency and genuine care enables both horses and partnerships to flourish.
Whether she is coaching within the community, helping someone take their first steps into sport, developing netball players or competing on the national stage, Abby brings the same qualities to everything she does: kindness, dedication and a belief in bringing out the best in others.
As she looks ahead to the next stage of her equestrian journey, everybody at Everybody Health & Leisure is excited to see what comes next for Abby, Champ and Spirit. Her story is a reminder that success is often built in the quiet moments of hard work long before the results are seen.
For anyone feeling inspired by Abby’s journey, Everybody Health & Leisure offers a wide range of opportunities to get active, build confidence and achieve personal goals through sport and physical activity. From community sport programmes and coaching opportunities to health and wellbeing activities for all ages, there is support available to help people start their own journey and reach their full potential.
Congratulations, Abby!
Your success with Champ and Spirit reflects not only talented horses, but also the exceptional person behind them. We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next.
