Willa Newton: Bramham bound for ERM

The last month seems to have flown by! We kicked off May with a double with Lauries Laudatio and Moonlight Dance S. Both seven year olds won two novice sections at Richmond which was very exciting and it was great to get the first two wins on the board!

It was a quick turn-around to head to Badminton on the Sunday to watch the legend, Michi, clinch the Rolex Grandslam. It was very special to be there for this incredible day and to see the amazing duo win! 

It was also great to spend time with pony club members Harriet and Jodie from the Vale of Clettwr and Llangeitho Branch and one of The Pony Club’s young ambassadors, Ewan Macaulay and have a look at the course with them and see things through their eyes.

The following week we were busy at Aston le Walls and Chatsworth where Lauries Laudatio was third in the CIC* and would have been even higher placed if not for a very costly fence. Then it was back to Aston le walls for the UA where we finished second and forth.

Rockingham was next on the cards, one of my favourite events not only super local but a dreamy location! We missed out on prizes but the horses all went well. It was also fantastic as it was our first event with new sponsor Noble Outfitters whom I feel very lucky to now be working with and absolutely love their clothing range and coats in particular, and it’s so very special because they are a local company!

Our final event for May was to be the first three day of the year – Houghton.  I absolutely love this Spring 3-day and it didn’t disappoint this year. We had four horses going so we were super busy and I can’t thank my dream team enough for making it all possible.

The horses absolutely excelled themselves – all finishing on their dressage scores with Lauries Laudatio finishing third in the one star, Caja 4th in the two star and Neelix 11th in the Nations Cup.

I’d like to say a big thank you to my owners –  Shelby and Alison Smith for allowing me to ride Champions Dynamo,  Lady Sarah McCorquodale for Caja 20 and all the members of the Sandpiper syndicate for Lauries Laudatio. I feel very lucky to ride and train such lovely horses who give everything.  

It was also fantastic to have my old friend Neelix back in action again who gave me a great ride in the Nations Cup. He has now been asked to the new Event Rider Masters series in Bramham which I am very excited about.

It is fantastic to be involved in this new series and I will certainly have my eyes on the prize.

Until next time,

Willa