Willa Newton: Reflections from Abroad

I firstly want to spare a thought for the event organisers who work tirelessly only – all too often – for the weather to put pay to their efforts as it seems to have done over the first few weeks.  And the winter always brings added challenges too for our yard team who work hard keeping seven of our livery and family hunters on the road throughout the season.

Now it appears to be drying up a bit, I am really looking forward to this season getting into full swing – not only have I got some exciting new horses to campaign this year but there are some great new competitive targets for riders to aim for, in the shape of the Tri-star Eventing Series and the Event Rider Masters.

New Guard Replaces Old

We are definitely going to miss last years star, Newmarket Vasco One (Sully) as he now enjoys retirement and cross country won’t feel the same without him. But on the other hand it is hugely exciting to have Peter Thomas and Feena Machin’s Chance Remark (Austin) back in action as well as Neelix (Chip).  Both these horses will be aimed at CIC*** with an autumn CCI as the end-of-season target.

I am also very excited to have the new ride on a very lovely stallion: Champions Dynamo (Socks) for Shelby Smith. He – along with John and Judi Thurloe’s Rapide Gii (Pele) – are being targeted at Spring CCI** events with Advanced events the Autumn target.

We also have some lovely young horses who I’m looking to produce slowly this year including Viv and Chris Prior’s Cavatina Tinkerbelle (Bella) and Tim and Antonia Brown’ Freestyle R (Freebie).

They are all fantastic horses and I am very grateful to all my owners for their huge support. I also can’t thank my brilliant home team enough.  Without them, none of these plans could be realised.