LIZ Philip is a countrywoman to her fingertips – an equine expert, an award-winning point-to-point racer, trained in agricultural business studies and now principal of Askham Bryan College, one of Britain’s finest land-based learning institutions.

This farmer’s daughter spent 28 years in land-based education before leaving her post as deputy principal of Selby College to take the Askham Bryan role in August 2007.

It put her at the centre of an institution which has 350 staff, 250 of them permanent, and caters for some 4,700 full and part-time students at the York campus, as well as at satellite centres in Harrogate, Bedale, Guisborough, Pickering and Thirsk.

As you would expect, her rural roots continue at home in Huggate on the Yorkshire Wolds. There she, her lecturer husband, Alistair, and two sons, keep a small flock of mule/Texel cross ewes.

Educated at Queen Margaret’s School, Escrick, she gained her degree in agricultural business studies from the University of Hull. She was drawn to further education by her strong interest in horses. She competed in show jumping, eventing and team chasing.

In 1981 she joined Bishop Burton College, East Yorkshire, where she established an equestrian department, later managing the college’s funding and finances.

As deputy principal of Selby College, her responsibilities involved overseeing a £26 million capital project to provide new teaching and administration facilities.

Which job (other than your own) would you like to have and why?

Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham has the greatest National Hunt course in the world. That would be really exciting.

Greatest achievement?

Winning the Badsworth Hunt Farmer Cup on my horse Jubilee Star, point-to-pointing in my grandfather’s racing colours.

Biggest mistake?

I once ran into the back of a police car, very embarrassing but it was a long time ago.

What makes you most angry?

Waste, particularly wasted talent, time and money

What makes you laugh?

Anne Widdecombe on Strictly was the funniest thing I’ve seen in ages, but you have to admire her for having a go.

What fools do you suffer least?

Folk who should know better.

Whom do you most admire and why?

The racehorse trainer Jenny Pitman – a real inspiration as a woman succeeding in a man’s world.

What do you need to make life complete?

A Terry’s Chocolate Orange – life without chocolate is difficult to contemplate.

How do you relax?

Growing my own vegetables, particularly new potatoes. There’s no taste like it.

Why do you make a difference?

I make things happen. That’s a great privilege of the job. It changes people’s lives and I love to watch students grow in confidence and ability. Very satisfying.

Name the organisation you see as the perfect one and why

Kildangan Stud in Ireland owned by the Maktoums. No expense spared and immaculate. Absolute perfection.

Favourite record?

Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh.

Favourite holiday destination?

Filey – I’m a Yorkshire girl and we have had some great old-fashioned family holidays there.

Your epitaph

‘She never stopped trying.’