Somerset-based Adrian Whiteway is an international rider who is making his mark on British teams and made his debut in the CSI5* classes at Royal Windsor. He shares his thoughts on achieving the unachievable and exciting new pairs on the jumping circuit.
I made my debut jumping in the CSI5* classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show this year and what a great experience it has been.
Initially, I wasn’t sure if I would get into the show, but for the first time this year organisers have used the same system as they do for the London International. If entries are taken solely from the world rankings list, I wouldn’t be high enough, but they also admitted some of us who had jumped on Nations Cup teams for Great Britain.
For someone like me who only has two or three horses at this level, it’s impossible to go to shows week in, week out to collect rankings points. It’s unachievable to put yourself in the top 10 when there are riders with far more depth to their string, so being able to access shows like this from another route is a godsend.
I took two horses to Windsor and it was a fantastic experience for them. BP Baxter, the younger one at 11 years old, was fifth in the King’s Cup. My Nations Cup horse Chacco Volo was clear with time-faults in Friday’s 1.55m, although it didn’t go our way in Sunday’s Rolex grand prix.
It was our first major show since the London International in December, so it was a big ask. I jumped the first fence and didn’t get it quite right, and he had one down – he doesn’t like having a fence, so it then sent him a bit too careful.
But we’ll be off to try again next week, as we are anticipating some more Nations Cups call-ups.
“A unique experience”
I’ve had an incredible 12 months, which began with competing at my first five-star show in Aachen last summer. I jumped the Rolex grands prix there and again at Dublin Horse Show, so this was actually my third.
It’s amazing to be able to do a five-star in your home country as it feels even more special when you have friends and family there, too.
Windsor is a lovely town and to be invited up to Windsor Castle on Thursday night for drinks, with Prince Edward in attendance, is a unique experience.
You just can’t fault the show – the going was perfect and the stables are big and in a nice location. The organisers can’t do enough for you. Everyone is helpful, right down to the volunteers manning the walkways.
Brits on form
The British riders had an exceptional week and Ben Maher was unlucky not to be quick enough to win the Rolex grand prix, in which Luxembourg rider Victor Bettendorf just pipped him to the post.
Grand prix winners Victor Bettendorf and Qwando Van De Rispen soak up Royal Windsor’s unique atmosphere. Credit: Elli Birch/BootsandHooves
Jack Whitaker has a couple of lovely new horses and Matt Sampson’s grand prix partner, Un Secreto Z is fantastic. Matt has been ticking away with him for the past year and now he’s really stepped up.
They could be a real asset to the British team and hopefully they’ll have some opportunities coming their way. Matt is a class rider who really deserves a good horse.
Hopefully we have some strong combinations for this summer’s World Championships in Aachen and chef d’equipe Di Lampard will have a few options to choose from.
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You might also enjoy reading:
British showjumpers produce a two-day clean sweep at Royal Windsor Horse Show
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Luxembourg rider beats the Brits in Royal Windsor grand prix: ‘I was lucky my plan paid off’
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