WILL BIDDICK, a farmer’s son, who wasn’t particularly interested in racing and had no desire to be a jockey, reflects on his first point-to-point ride with jest.
“It was on a schoolmaster called Just Bert when I was 16. My dad wouldn’t let me wear gloves or goggles because he said they’d get in the way,” says the 32-year-old with a smile. “I couldn’t slip my reins or ride a finish, I rode too long and had my silks hanging out — I didn’t feel like I looked the part so didn’t enjoy it much. Then I went through a phase of riding too short as I thought I’d look more stylish, but it just resulted in numerous unseatings!”
The Somerset-based champion point-to-point rider, who is married to top showjumper Harriet Nuttall, has come a long way since his early riding days when his passion was farming on his father’s land in Cornwall. He has since reached the pinnacle of the sport, lifting the champion trophy six consecutive times before regaining the crown from Alex Edwards last season to make it seven. But like many a success story, it hasn’t all been plain sailing, including dipping his toe into the professional jockey ranks before deciding the “wasting” life of restricting his diet wasn’t for him.
“I didn’t get interested in racing until I was 15. My dad had a couple of pointers so I thought I’d have a go,” says Will. “But after two years, I was thinking how to tell my dad I didn’t want to do it anymore; I was still more interested in farming.”
Then family friend Len Vickery suggested that an 18-year-old Will join National Hunt trainer Venetia Williams in Herefordshire.
“Len said that whether or not I became a jockey, working for Venetia would do me some good,” remembers Will. So the boy from Cornwall packed his bags and started his full-time job 200-odd miles away.
This story is from the November 21, 2019 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 21, 2019 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A fitting finale
Tessa Waugh relates the second part of her husband's final day hunting hounds, which looked to be a hip flask tasting session until the proverbial three o'clock offered one last hurrah
'What a day to be Irish'
One nation is looking stronger than ever, but there is disappointment for the Brits in a thrilling second leg of the new-look League of Nations
The ultimate all-rounder
Romeo gave Robert Walker his love of showing - and hunting, with a five-mile point and an eight-mile hunt in the afternoon one memorable Boxing Day
Bouncing, bonny - and sound
H&H's hunting editor Catherine Austen is delighted to report that her horse has finished the season in fine form, and takes a look at the future
'Will there be any riding schools left?'
Pammy Hutton on the current challenges faced by the equestrian industry
New competition to replace Aachen's FEI Nations Cup
The venue will host its own elite team dressage competition instead
Seven Badminton champions on this year's event entries list
Seven former winning riders are due to start, but no previous equine victors are on the list
Blair lost as concerns grow for eventing in Scotland
Blair Castle Horse Trials will run for the 35th and last time this summer, sparking concerns for eventing in the region
A risk to horse health: warning against importing unauthorised medication
Illegally imported equine drugs have been seized by the relevant authorities in four recent cases
Protect your pocket
Insurance is a big monthly hit, but small tweaks can lower your premium. Sarah Isaacs finds out how to save costs appropriately