“I thought her more interested in cross-country fences than me.”

The muddy love story of Tasha and Liam

Equestrian Tasha had always joked that finding a partner who understood her horse-filled lifestyle was harder than mastering a clear round at Badminton Horse Trials.

That was until she mutually matched with builder Liam whilst online dating at Muddy Matches in July 2023. Liam, who openly confesses that even now he ‘wouldn’t know the difference between dressage and eventing’, was looking for someone who shared his love for rugby, moreso than a passion for ponies.

But that hasn’t stopped the connection between the two of them from blooming.

After weeks of chatting online, they planned a first date at Burghley Horse Trials. It was a bold choice for Liam to go into unchartered territory. “I didn’t have a clue what was going on, but I was quite taken with how passionate she was. I thought she was way more interested in the cross-country fences than me, but it turned out I was wrong”.

For Tasha, Liam’s easy-going nature and willingness to embrace ‘her world’ were what caught her eye. “He didn’t pretend to know everything about horses, but he asked questions, that’s when I thought this one just might have legs. He ticked a lot of boxes just by throwing himself into that date and showing some interest.”

Since then, their relationship has gone from strength to strength. Liam’s become a fair-weather face, if not yet quite a regular, at the stables, mucking in (and out!). “She practically lives at the yard, and I get that now,” Liam admits. “Horses aren’t just a hobby for her—they’re her whole life. Some days, I barely see her because she’s up late or out at the crack of dawn, but that’s just part of who she is. I wouldn’t change it.”

“I never thought I’d date a horse girl, but here we are!”

Tasha is appreciative of that “A lot of people don’t understand the 24/7 commitment horses require, but Liam gets it. He doesn’t complain when I cancel plans or when I’m pre-occupied with horse stuff to think about. He even brings me coffee at the yard when I’ve had a long morning—what more could a girl ask for?”

As for the future? “Liam’s talking about getting in the saddle himself, but I will believe it when I see it” Tasha says, possibly in more hope than anything.

For now, they’re just enjoying the ride – together.