Julie and Rachael Helliwell

Like mother like daughter as the saying goes. Alex Robinson meets the northern show producers who are winning with their meticulous methods, eye for a champion and secret weapons that money can’t buy

-  Alex Robinson

WHEN it comes to discovering rough diamonds, you either have that natural eye for a jewel or you don’t. One such woman, whose record for scouting out champions of the future precedes her, is Julie Helliwell. Alongside her daughter, the equally talented horsewoman Rachael Helliwell, the pair have cemented a reputation for discovering and producing young horses and ponies for the show ring. And many Team Helliwell-sourced animals, of all types and classes, are still enjoying success on the circuit today.

“We love finding youngsters,” confirms Rachael. “Breaking them, getting them going and putting them on the map before ultimately selling them and watching them go on and do well in their new homes.”

While one may question working so closely with a relative day in and day out, it’s clear that Rachael and Julie complement each other in every aspect of the business.

“I have an eye for a bigger picture, but Rachael picks up on all the small details,” says Julie. “She never leaves a single hair unturned; we can’t afford to. Rachael does everything to the letter and if something isn’t exactly right, she’ll change it. Then when everything is in place, we put Harriet on top and have a discussion – we all have our input.”

Harriet, 21, is the daughter of Julie’s best friend Shirley Dennison and has been based with the Helliwell's since she first sat in a saddle. She’s one of the circuit’s most consistent young riders and could ride the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) centre line with her eyes closed. Although Julie and Rachael’s prodigy, she’s also part of the family.