Eventing Worldwide have today unveiled their Columnists for 2012. We’d already been nominated for an Equestrian Social Media Award for our blogs (we’re still shocked) but we’ve now doubled the number so there’ll be three or four great blogs for you to read every week!
As well as retaining the much loved and well read favourites, we’ve added some great new ones too. Our aim has been to give you a real insight into the sport, no matter what your involvement is. Check them out below:
The Olympian’s Daughter- Emily King
Mary King’s daughter certainly has some big boots to fill, but at just 15 years old she’s already started carving her own path to doing just that. Her current top horse is Mr. Hiho, who she finished 7th with at the Junior European Championships last year, and her aim for 2012 is to get on the Junior European team. She’s definitely heading in the right direction to follow her mother. Read Emily’s biog
The Olympic Hopeful- Jonathan “Jock” Paget
Jock is a real contender for London 2012, with notable results. 8th at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, winner of the CIC*** at Bramham International, 5th and 12th at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and a member of the winning New Zealand London 2012 Team qualifier at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials- all in 2011! Follow Jock’s journey as he vies for a place at the greatest show on earth. Read Jock’s biog
The Eventing Mum- Fizz Bolton
Fizz Bolton is mum to 17-year-old Bert, and describes herself as head groom, team manager, chauffeur, book keeper, chef, cleaner, head of PR, chief medical and veterinary officer, IT department, photographer, cameraman. Bert is passionate about eventing, and as a parent Fizz wants to support him in his career choice, and says that the chance to make a living from your passion is too precious to ignore. In her own words “It can’t be more expensive than sending him to university can it?!” Read Fizz’s biog
Eventing in the City- Gavin Makinson
34-year-old Gavin is from Lancashire, but now lives in Hackney, London. As a child he was horse mad and competed successfully in Junior and Young riders, before a 12 year break which would see him head for the bright lights of London to tread the boards in Les Mis. In 2009 he returned to eventing, proving that you can live in London, work as an actor and event- yes, his horses really are only a mile from his home! Read Gavin’s biog
PA to the stars- Hannah Vowles
Hannah is Personal Assistant to eventing legend William Fox-Pitt and his wife Alice. She joined their team at the start of the 2010 season, and before that had been a racing secretary. A keen rider herself, in the quieter months she can often be found on the gallops riding the local pointers.
Eventing’s Businessman- Mike Barnes
Mike is British Eventing’s Commercial and Marketing Director, based at Stoneleigh, but don’t worry, he’s much more humorous than the title might suggest! He was completely new to eventing when he took up the role three years ago, and is responsible for driving new revenue streams. He lists his other interests as fly fishing, training spaniels and shooting things! Read Mike’s biog
The Property Pro- Louise Elliott
Louise Elliott is a Chartered Surveyor working with a national property firm, and specialises in the rural sector. She has a keen interest in eventing, is a Director of EWW and has ridden most of her life. She’ll be bringing you the latest tips whether buying, selling or developing your equestrian premises. Read Louise’s biog
The Backbone of Eventing- Mike Bain and Steph Freeman
Join Mike and Steph as they travel the length and breadth of the country giving their time as British Eventing Volunteers. From commentating to fence judging they’ll cover the lot, and whatever the weather, their humour never fades! Read Mike and Steph’s blog
Chester Da Floying Oirshman
Equestrian Social Media Award nominated Chester knows there is line, and he’s quite prepared to cross it. He’s EWW’s resident comedian and longest serving columnist. He’s got an eye for the ladies, and in his own words “One day Oim gonna be an advanced eventer but until den, Oim going to be rubbish… which Oi reckon is a good place ta start”. Read Chester’s biog and his blog
International Man of Mystery- Arthur Sleep
“Arth” is Team EWW’s very own Stig, only he can’t drive very fast and he wears breeches. He brings his straightalking view of eventing, as well as all the latest news and gossip off the course, giving you an insight on what happens when the cameras stop rolling. Listing Paul O’Grady and Dear Diedre as his inspirations, keep tuned for his warts and all analysis of eventing world. Can you guess who he is yet? Read Arthur’s biog and his blog
Yorkshire’s Team Sommerville- James Sommerville
Only Chester has been around longer than James, who is based in North Yorkshire. Former working pupil of Oliver Townend, he’s now fully established in his own right and is having notable success. With a yard of ten at home, follow James as he travels the country in pursuit of success. Read James’ blog
ODT Himself- Oliver Townend
Do we really need an introduction for the man with one of the largest followings in the eventing world? Well- Yorkshire born and bred, Oliver has made his own success, and now runs an eventing yard and Harthill Stud with business partner Nina Barbour. From an equestrian family and son of a milkman, Oliver is proof that anyone can make it to the top of the eventing world. Read Oliver’s biog and his blog
The Stud Diary- Nina Barbour
Nina Barbour and Oliver Townend have just established Harthill Stud on the Bolesworth Estate in Cheshire. Following a long period of research all around the world, the pair have set forth to create a cutting edge facility. Nina tells us about their journey as they develop the facilities at the stud and take new stallions onto their books. Read Nina’s biog and her blog
The European Young Rider- Laura Cocking
20-year-old Laura is based in Wales, but for 2011 was working pupil to Nicola Wilson. She was a member of the European Young Rider Team last year, and is just setting out from her yard as a professional in her own right, but also works in her local pub to help fund her business. Follow her as she finds her feet as she goes it alone! Read Laura’s biog and her blog
The Editor’s Blog- Paul White
Paul White has been the Editor of EWW since July 2011, but involved in eventing for much longer. He also owns an equestrian marketing business, and is a Horse Trials organiser. Follow his blog as he travels the country in pursuit of stories, reports on events, runs his Horse Trials and has a great time whilst doing so! Read Paul’s biog and his blog
