About us

CEO and Founder of Howden and Founder and President of Cornbury House Horse Trials.

In 1994 David started Howden – a people first insurance group with employee ownership at its heart – with just three people (and a dog!). Howden now has 20,000 employees in 55 countries with the company’s expertise spanning the full spectrum of insurance from broking and reinsurance to underwriting and employee benefits.

Notably, David is as passionate about horses as he is about insurance. Howden is a proud sponsor of Ascot Racecourse and a host of other major racecourses and meetings around the world from the Bahrain Turf Club to the NEOM Cup in Saudi Arabia to the Victoria Racing Club in Australia. David also owns and breeds horses – including Running Lion who won a Group 2 race at Royal Ascot last year.

In 2020 David started the Cornbury House Horse Trials to introduce a whole new audience to the magic of showjumping. In 2022 he created the Howden Way Young Horse and Rider Talent Academies to nurture a new generation of British eventing stars. And with the launch of TAP in 2024 he aims to give ex-racehorses a new lease of life. What unites all David’s varied interests is a belief in backing talent and determination to give it a chance to shine.

Jemima Howden, based at Cornbury Park in the United Kingdom, is one of Great Britain’s most promising young eventers. Jemima’s passion for equestrian sports began early, and her determination and self-taught foundation propelled her to excel in eventing. For the last 3 years she has been mentored by Gareth Hughes, Laura Collett MBE and Jay Halim. She is currently honing her skills as part of the prestigious GB Talent Training Academy for 2025. 

Jemima is deeply passionate about the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP), which aims to provide a wealth of information to help people better understand ex-racehorses and give these incredible animals the opportunity to showcase their potential beyond the racetrack.

Today, Jemima manages a string of seven exceptional horses, ranging from 4 to 11 years old, and her career highlights include placing 5th in the Young Rider National Championships CCI3*-L, earning her a place on the GB Young Rider European Team, two international wins in 2024, qualification for the Burghley Young Event Horse Final, and representing Great Britain at the European Championships in Strzegom, Poland.

Looking ahead to 2025, Jemima aims to tackle her first 4* event, pursue further European team selection, and guide her young horses through the Burghley Young Event Horse classes. She also plans to compete at the Cornbury Young Horse Championships, an event founded by her father, David Howden. In the 2024 edition, she secured outstanding results, including 1st and 3rd in the CCI2*-S.

Richard has been passionate about horses since a very early age. Richard’s involvement in the equestrian world since then has been both varied and constant. He feels privileged to have been invited to be an official for the eventing at the last six summer Olympic games and has played a key part in the Cornbury House Horse Trials from their inception to delivery of five successful events.

For fifteen years, Richard was the organiser of the Mattingley Horse Trials. He has also served as a BE board member and steward, as well as an FEI steward.

Alongside all these, Richard has found time to pursue a career in insurance and is the Group CEO for DUAL, a global underwriting business owned by the Howden group.