TROY Tribe: Meet Ali and Jack Stearn

Meet Ali Stearn and her amazing Pony Jack Brock

We sit down with Ali, the remarkable woman behind Jack Brock, the miniature pony who’s spreading joy across the UK. Together, they’ve touched the lives of countless people living with dementia, from sparking treasured memories to bringing smiles to care homes nationwide. Ali shares her deeply personal journey, from her love of horses growing up to how Jack became her perfect partner in a mission that’s captured the hearts of millions.

Ali tell us how you came to be such a strong supporter of Dementia UK, and why you feel so passionately.

I fell into supporting dementia charities in the UK by accident. Much of the journey Jack and I have been on has been unplanned, with one thing naturally leading to another. I now feel that those I’ve loved and lost might be guiding me, with Jack as my ultimate wingman.

One day, during a visit to a care home in North Norfolk, a nurse asked if we could see the dementia residents. I was nervous about the enclosed space and unsure how Jack would respond, but I’ll never forget what happened. As we walked through, people stroked Jack and while I felt uneasy, Jack remained calm. The nurse introduced us to Alma, who had cared for horses during the war. Alma didn’t register Jack at first until he let out a huge sneeze. Startled, she suddenly saw him, and with tears in her eyes and mine, she leaned forward to stroke his neck like a true horsewoman. That moment, and my later visits with Alma, cemented my desire to support dementia charities.

Later, the East of England Co-op made me their ambassador, sponsoring my travel to visit more care homes. A small video BBC Radio Norfolk filmed of us went viral, reaching 8 million views and national news. The response was overwhelming, with care homes everywhere asking for visits. Unable to meet them all, I started fundraising for Dementia UK to support Admiral Nurses, a lifeline for those affected by dementia. So far, we’ve raised £30,000 and counting.

Your support is not simply to raise vital funds but you and Jack take a more hands / hoof on approach and visit care homes to bring joy to those in homes around the country. Tell us more about the affects Jack has on the men and women he meets.

Jack and I have been visiting care homes for 10 years, and the impact he has on people living with dementia is extraordinary. For instance, one gentleman, unknown to the nurses, used to have cats. When he strokes Jack’s back, he recalls his beloved pets. Another lady, unable to form sentences, begins singing beautifully while petting Jack.

I’ve met Land Army veterans whose memories of working with heavy horses are stirred by Jack. One lady, Irene, often shares stories of Blossom, a shire horse she cared for during the war. Jack and I visit Irene regularly, and a shire horse inspired by Blossom even appears on the first page of my book. These moments remind me why this work is so important.

How did horses enter your life?

My father used to point-to-point, and my mother, a talented show jumper in her youth, always loved horses. When I was three, she married my stepfather, Bob Champion, and together they built a wonderful racing yard in Newmarket, where he trained racehorses.

Bob famously won the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti after surviving cancer, while Aldaniti overcame two front leg injuries—a true fairy tale that captured the nation’s heart. Bob later established a cancer trust, and I grew up surrounded by fundraising efforts. My mother often welcomed cancer patients to our home to meet Bob.

Jack may not be a thoroughbred, but on some days in his field, he certainly likes to think he is!

Tell us about a typical day managing your family, animals and career.

I live on a farm in Norfolk with my husband and our two children, Bunny and Bertie, who are seven and five. My husband, a race rider, ensures we’re always surrounded by racehorses! It’s a busy life, and I have a passion for gardening. When we moved into the farmhouse 12 years ago, there was only lawn leading to a wheat field. Over time, I’ve created a lovely garden, though keeping it maintained is always a challenge.

We have two ponies and my old ex-racehorse, Connor, who won 10 races, six with my husband in the saddle. Life is unpredictable with animals and children. Our two terriers, Twig and Bandit, are constant companions—curling up while I paint, chasing mice, or emerging from molehills covered in dirt.

One moment I’m in mucking-out gear; the next, dressed in TROY outfits for book events, before returning home to share stories with the children. I wouldn’t change a thing—except perhaps to wish for a few more hours in the day!

Your work has brought you much press attention and now with the launch of your new book you are regularly appearing on our screens. How have you found this newly found fame?

Our charity work has gained attention over time. During Covid, we received a letter from the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, thanking us for visiting care homes, where I led Jack past windows to cheer residents. Jack was later nominated for the East of England Hero Awards. Held at Norwich Cathedral, it was like a mini Oscars, and to our amazement, Jack won! Standing before an audience of heroes with Jack by my side was a proud moment.

This year, we’ve featured in publications and appeared on TV, including ITV’s Love Your Weekend, which gave us a great launch. At Blenheim Palace in May, the walled gardens hosted a “find Jack” trail, promoting our book. BBC Morning Live then filmed us, and Jack even visited the BBC Look East studio, standing where the weather presenter does—a surreal experience!

Sharing these adventures with my special pony is a privilege. My family has been wonderfully supportive, helping with shoots and events. The children love joining book readings and meeting new friends. Now and then, someone will ask, “Are you the lady with the pony?”

How would you describe your wardrobe and approach to choosing what to wear each day, and particularly when presenting to the public?

At home, I live in jeans or khaki chinos, layered up for time with the horses and dogs, or for packing cards, painting, and house chores. I prefer natural colours that reflect the countryside—greens, creams, burnt orange, chocolate browns, and biscuit tones, with navy mixed in.

When magazines or TV approach, I want to stay true to myself but with a classic, chic look. High heels, Chanel jackets, and pearls aren’t for me, as I’m always with my darling Jack.

I’ve always admired TROY London for their classic town-to-country style that’s smart yet easy to wear. I love the elevated country look. As my grandmother always said, "Have clean hair and make-up, as you never know who’ll knock at the door!" Even in my “scruffs,” I’m ready. Though an outdoor girl, I also cherish the finer things—beautiful flowers, home-making, and a feminine touch. I adore the TROY denim frill shirt layered with a wool tank top and a quilted gilet, nipped in at the waist.

A TROY item I can't live without is my burgundy stock shirt. Its classic print and bow add a feminine touch. I've worn it at the Dorchester Hotel with a burgundy boucle jacket and tailored trousers, and at a Cotswold pub with a navy cashmere jumper, jeans, and cowboy boots. It’s refreshing to have a classic British brand I love to wear for so many of my events.

What is in store for Ali and Jack in 2025?

As we start to approach 2025 I am working on the next childrens illustrated picture book of Jack Brock adventures- I can't tell you much but it involves dogs! It's so hard to choose which ones to include as I adore so many breeds but for sure those close to my heart will be featured. We have some very exciting collaborations in the pipeline too with some classic brands who are real artisans. Lots more "Story time" visits there will be a roll out of "Jack brock afternoon tea" across a lovely group of country hotels where a pony inspired tea along with a book for the children will be available. And hopefully some more TV appearances which are being spoken about at the moment.

TROY customers are supporting Dementia UK this Black Friday with a donation for every purchase. How else can we all support the older people in our lives and help to battle the loneliness that hits so many the hardest at Christmas time?

Jack and I are volunteers which basically means we visit care homes for free! We visit the homes in need, the ones with not much budget for "activities" Even the nurses who work in the care homes love to see Jack. Please keep your loved ones involved, they adore just listening to what you have been up to, they love to be asked about their past, they love to feel loved and involved. Check in on all your friends but do not forget the elderly as one day you will be in their position, keep their spirit glowing by giving a little love especially at Christmas time.

I can not thank TROY London enough for donating to Dementia UK. A charity that has helped so many at the beginning and throughout a families dementia journey.