When you hear the name Gemma Owen, many instantly think of her famous footballer dad, Michael Owen. But there’s another very special person in her life who doesn’t often make headlines—her mother, Louise Bonsall. If you’ve ever wondered who she is, what she does, and how she’s connected to both the world of horses and reality TV fame, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and explore the life of Louise Bonsall in a friendly and simple way.
Early Life And Childhood Of Louise Bonsall
Louise Bonsall was born in the UK and spent most of her early years surrounded by family and animals. Even as a child, she was known for her calm personality and strong love for horses. While not much is publicly shared about her early life, we know that horses were a big part of her world from a young age.
She grew up with her brother Andrew, and the two often took weekend riding lessons together. These childhood lessons quickly turned into something more than just a hobby. Louise began spending more time around stables, learning how to care for horses, and enjoying everything about the equestrian lifestyle.
This early connection to animals helped shape who she is today. Louise didn’t just want to ride horses—she wanted to understand them, care for them, and build a life where they played a central role. Her passion started as a weekend activity but soon grew into a lifelong journey.
How Louise Bonsall Fell In Love With Horses
Louise began riding horses when she was only seven years old. She and her brother would spend weekends taking lessons and enjoying the peaceful routine of stable life. For Louise, horses were more than animals—they became trusted companions.
As she grew older, her passion deepened. Louise started helping out with friends’ horses and even worked at local riding schools. She learned how to groom, feed, and look after them properly. It wasn’t just about riding anymore—it was about creating a safe and loving environment for these animals.
What’s beautiful is that her love for horses never faded. Even after going through difficult times, she found strength and healing through her connection with them. Her journey with horses would eventually lead to something much bigger and more meaningful later in her life.
Meeting Michael Owen: A Childhood Love Story
Louise met Michael Owen in primary school back in 1984. They both attended Hawarden High School in Flintshire, Wales, and soon became teenage sweethearts. Their relationship began in a quiet and sweet way, far from the public eye.
As they grew up, their bond became stronger. After many years of dating, Michael proposed to Louise on Valentine’s Day in 2004, which also happens to be her birthday. It was a romantic moment that perfectly matched their story.
They got married on June 24, 2005, in a small, private ceremony at Carden Park Hotel in Chester. It was a day filled with love, surrounded by close friends and family. Today, their love story is still going strong after more than 17 years of marriage.
The Serious Horse Riding Accidents That Changed Her Life
Louise’s love for horses also brought challenges. In 2004, she experienced a very serious horse riding accident. While riding a horse named Isobelle, the horse reared up, and Louise fell. Sadly, the horse landed on top of her.
She broke her back in two places and fractured her hip and pelvis in five places. It was a terrifying moment that left her in the hospital for weeks. The pain was not just physical—it also forced her to take a break from riding, which had been such a big part of her life.
But that wasn’t her first accident. At the age of 15, she had already broken her femur from a previous fall. These events made her re-think her future with horses. Instead of giving up, she found a new way to stay connected—by helping horses heal and giving them better lives.
Louise Bonsall’s Role As A Mother To Four Children
Louise is not just a horse lover—she’s also a proud mother of four. Together with Michael Owen, she has raised a close-knit family. Their children are Gemma, James, Emily, and Jessica, and Louise plays a very hands-on role in their lives.
Gemma Rose, their first child, was born on May 1, 2003. Then came James in February 2006, followed by Emily in October 2007, and Jessica in February 2010. Louise is deeply involved in their daily lives and always tries to keep the family connected.
Despite their wealth and fame, Louise and Michael have worked hard to teach their kids the value of money and hard work. Michael once said in a podcast that if the kids want extra money, they should go work at a pub. This approach shows how grounded and practical both parents are.
Louise Bonsall And Gemma Owen’s Strong Bond
One of the most touching things about Louise is her relationship with her daughter Gemma. Before entering the Love Island villa, Gemma talked about how close she is to her mum. She described Louise as her best friend and biggest supporter.
Gemma said that whenever she went on a date, she would immediately tell her mum everything—what they talked about, how it went, and what she thought. Not being able to speak to her mum during the show was one of the hardest parts for her.
Louise also showed her love publicly. On Gemma’s 19th birthday, she shared a sweet photo with a caption about how proud she was. This strong mother-daughter connection has been a big part of both their lives, and it’s something that fans quickly noticed and admired.
Rescuing And Rehabilitating Racehorses
After her accident, Louise didn’t give up on horses—she changed her mission. In 2007, she founded Manor House Stables in Cheshire. While it began as a place for training, it later expanded into something much more special.
Louise focused on rescuing and caring for retired racehorses. These are horses that had finished their careers but still needed love and proper care. She also became a patron of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, a place that helps horses recover and live better lives.
Her work is full of kindness and patience. She gives these horses a second chance and a peaceful life. Her story shows how a painful experience can lead to something meaningful and powerful.
Louise Bonsall’s £4 Million Cheshire Mansion
Louise lives with her family in a stunning country home called Lower Soughton Hall in Cheshire. This is not just any house—it’s a Grade II listed manor worth about £4 million. But even though it’s beautiful and grand, it’s also filled with warmth and love.
The house has everything you’d expect—spacious rooms, a waterfall swimming pool, and land big enough for twelve horses. It also has space for Michael’s famous car collection, which he enjoys showing off during interviews and tours.
While it might sound like a dream home, what makes it special is how the family uses it. Louise has created a place where her children, her horses, and her loved ones feel safe, happy, and connected.
Why Louise Bonsall Turned Down Reality TV Fame
Over the years, there have been rumors about Louise joining the reality show The Real Housewives of Cheshire. With her ties to fame and luxury, many producers thought she’d be the perfect fit. But Louise has always chosen to keep her life private.
Even though ITV has tried to bring her onto the show, she has declined in the past. A source shared that Louise is a very private person who doesn’t enjoy the spotlight. But as Michael continues his TV career and Gemma grows in fame, there’s been some talk that Louise might change her mind.
Still, she enjoys a quieter life, staying behind the scenes while supporting her family. Her decision shows her strength and confidence in knowing what she truly wants.
Louise Bonsall On Instagram
Although she doesn’t seek fame, Louise does have an Instagram account. Before Gemma joined Love Island, she had around 8,000 followers. But after the show, her following jumped to more than 54,000.
She uses Instagram to share family moments, holidays, and the occasional glamorous photo. Her feed shows that even though she lives a beautiful life, she still values privacy, peace, and time with her loved ones.
People love her posts because they’re genuine and simple. Louise doesn’t try to be a celebrity—she’s just a woman who loves her family, horses, and quiet moments.
Michael Owen On Marriage, Family, And Louise’s Strength
In his book “Reboot: My Life, My Time,” Michael Owen opened up about his personal struggles and how they affected his marriage. He shared that for a long time, he was emotionally distant and didn’t always treat Louise as he should have.
He talked about feeling insecure and sometimes taking things out on Louise, especially when she spent more time with Gemma. But through therapy and honest conversations, he realized how wrong he had been and began to change.
Michael now speaks very lovingly about Louise, saying that he truly values her and everything she has done for their family. Their story is a reminder that even strong couples face challenges—but with love and effort, they can grow stronger together.
Final Thoughts
Louise Bonsall is more than just a footballer’s wife or a Love Island mum. She’s a strong woman who has faced tough times and turned them into something beautiful. Her love for horses, her close bond with her kids, and her quiet confidence make her truly inspiring.
From childhood sweethearts to raising a grounded family, Louise and Michael have created a life filled with meaning. Whether she’s caring for retired horses or cheering on Gemma from home, Louise leads with love and grace.
We hope you found this article helpful and inspiring. Louise Bonsall’s story reminds us that the strongest people are often the ones who shine quietly, through love, loyalty, and the simple things that matter most.
(FAQs)
Who Is Gemma Owen’s Mum and Why Did Her Ex Fancy Her?
Gemma’s ex Jacques O’Neill hinted on Love Island that he fancied her mum, Louise Bonsall, during a game. Gemma was shocked—and yes, Louise is known for her stunning looks.
Did Louise Bonsall Almost Die in a Horse Accident?
Yes. In 2004, Louise was crushed by a horse and broke her back, hip, and pelvis in multiple places. She spent weeks in the hospital recovering.
Did Louise Bonsall Turn Down a Role on Reality TV?
She did! Despite being wanted for The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Louise said no—choosing her quiet life over fame.
Is Michael Owen’s Son Really Blind?
Yes. Their son James was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare condition that makes him legally blind.
Was Michael Owen Jealous of His Wife and Daughter’s Bond?
Surprisingly, yes. Michael admitted in his book that he felt left out of Louise and Gemma’s close bond and even sought therapy to fix his behavior.
People also read, All About Susan Gargan: Peter Kay’s Wife, Mother, and Business Partner
