2016 was a personal best for 26 year old Willa Newton, winning the prestigious 8/9 year old class at Blenheim (and 8th in the CCI class just for good measure) and the Young Horse Championships at Osberton were particular highlights.
Ambition for 2017:
To recruit some new sponsors and owners to help build on 2016 and work towards
my long term aim – to represent Great Britain in the Tokyo Olympics
in 2020.
Favorite event?
Burghley- it’s our local event and I always dreamed about riding there as a child.
Favorite horse?
I am very lucky to have ridden some lovely horses. Newmarket Vasco One was very special, a lovely person with a huge heart. I think it has to be Neelix though who took me from pony club to four star! Caja 20 is a real character though and also very special to me!
Best thing about the job?
Working with different horses every day and learning how to get the best out of each one.
And the worst?
Career ending horse injuries when the horses give so much and on a lighter note the cold weather!
Owners – how do you attract them?
I really appreciate the value of owners and I held an Open Day in November last year to showcase my yard and the benefits of ownership I feel very lucky as I have some very loyal owners who have been with me for a long time but I think owners are attracted to hard work, commitment and achieving results on many different horses and hopefully some fun!
What differentiates you from other up and coming riders – why should owners choose you?
Having a solid basic training in young horse production which I have been lucky enough to learn from professional riders and trainers. I believe this is the key to seeing horses successfully move up the levels and reach the top.
What does a fab owner experience look like to you?
Of course owners enjoying success is very important but at the same time I like them to enjoy the whole experience of the yard as well as being supportive of the whole team and other owners horses as well. I have set up syndicates in my
young horses and I feel that those involved (not necessarily horsey) enjoy the whole day out from the picnic, the wonderful locations as well as meeting like minded people!
Plans for the future?
The main aim for this year is to ride at Badminton for the first time. I would love to get closer to senior selection now my young horses are starting to move up the levels.