ON his debut Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final in 2018, William Pittendrigh couldn’t quite believe what he’d achieved. At just 19 years old, he found himself jumping clear and standing fifth in the Cuddy horse working hunter of the year final against some of the country’s most experienced riders and their seasoned horses. Aboard his then six-year-old gelding Silver Lough (Scully), also an NEC debutant, William had certainly put his name on the map.
“When I looked around me, I saw all these people who have been doing the job for so long and thought, ‘Wow, am I really good enough to be here?’” reminisces William, now 21. “I definitely doubted myself a lot more back then. Scully is only small, too, and I did feel comparatively inexperienced.”
Two years on, and this talented young rider is rapidly establishing himself as one of the up-and-coming professionals to watch. While he still has nearly five years left on intermediates, William has been contending horse classes since he was 15. Last season he continued to take the scene by storm – not only landing the intermediate working hunter final at the Royal International (RIHS), but also winning the horse workers at Royal Windsor with one of only two clear rounds achieved across the board.
Denne historien er fra September 24, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra September 24, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
