Justin began riding and competing ponies at a very early age, but it didn’t take long before he moved onto horses. By the age of 14 he was competing the horses on the yard owned by his father, John Tuff. At the age of 17 he took over the reins of the yard from his father when John retired from competition.

Based in Lingfield, Surrey, Justin competed many horses from young novices to Grade A’s. Competing in classes from Young Riders to Grand Prix’s he found much success.

Soon after turning 21, Justin’s family moved to Devon. Justin brought with him his Young Riders Horse “Highleam Lad” and the family’s young stallion “Wurzel” (who was originally bred to Arab race by John and Louise Tuff). Building up a team of new horses and owners, Justin quickly brought on “Wurzel” to Grade A level. Justin continued to produce many young horses jumping them up to National 1.40m. Early 2004 saw the arrival of two young promising horses “Retro” and “Hello Popsie”, both horses jumped alongside each other, and in 2004 they both qualified for “HOYS” in Newcomers and 6 year-old trials. Popsie finished 6th in the 6 year-olds and Retro was 5th in the Newcomers final respectively. They continued success in high level young horse classes placing 2nd and 4th in the Olympic Star Spotter final at The Festival of Showjumping and “Popsie” had been well placed in the Winter Novice final at Hickstead. Success continued in 2005 both horses qualifying for HOYS again in the 7 year-olds and Foxhunter finals, where “Retro” finished 7th.

“Popsie” was selected to jump at the World Young Horse finals in Lanaken 2004 and 2005 where he was well placed, he then came home to win the Foxhunter Masters final at the Festival of Showjumping in 2005. “Popsie” was sold not long after and “Retro” and Justin have gone on to win Area Trials and Grand Prix’s. Their most prestigious moment came in early 2008 when Justin and “Retro” competed for Great Britain in their first Nations Cup in Poland.

Above: Justin walking the course ahead of the Grand Prix in Strazele

Above: Justin and Retro in Stazele Grand Prix