Firstly THANK YOU I don’t think it can be said enough, I truly appreciate all of you that support me and I am so very fortunate for the Amazing team that surrounds me, horses & humans alike.
2015 was a mixed year of emotions for me, the horses I have the privilege to ride in the main have performed to the best of their ability, the babies have come on in leaps and bounds over the season. However halfway through the year we had the tragic loss of the legend Kauto Star, which devasted, the yard. It was an absolute privilege for myself and my team to be part of his retirement and he will be missed beyond belief. The season continued and we had some amazing results with a 3rd for Pamero 4 “Pee” – CIC*** Haras Du Pin, then Grand Manoeuvre “Milo” achieved 13th Place at the FEI Europeans Championships, Controe our eventer turned show jumper was 5th at HOYS “Horse of the Year Show” in the Silver League Championship & I couldn’t have asked to end the season any better than Mr Bass becoming the 7yo WORLD CHAMPION What a superstar. It’s also exciting to be 14th in BE Rider Rankings and to have 3 horses in the top 100… Mr Bass “Chuck” – 35th not bad for a 7yo, Grand Manoeuvre “Milo”- 55th and Pamero 4 “Pee” – 70th.
Following my 2015 season, I have earned the right to stay on the Elite World Class Podium Potential programme into 2016. The aim of the programme is designed to provide Britain’s top riders with the training and support network necessary to make it onto the world stage and represent Team GBR at World, European and Olympic level.
This is also the same time of the year that we find out what horses are on the World Class Equine Pathway. The purpose of the Pathway is to identify horses that have the potential to develop into medal winning horses. The Programme will then work with and support the riders and the owners of the horses in order to help them maximise the horses’ potential. It is also hoped that the Programme will encourage owners to keep their horses with British riders and will enhance GBR’s chances at the 2016 Olympic Games and beyond.
I am delighted that Grand Manoeuvre “Milo” – Owned by Diana Chappell, Pamero 4 “Pee” – Owned by Clive Smith, Mr Bass “Chuck” – Owned by Nick How & Keith Scott & Cooley Again “Nostrils” Owned by Maggie Sargent are all on it.
2016 is a BIG year for Team Collett and with that in mind I have some exciting news:-
Zanie King is joining the team to run the Yard & be my full time travelling groom at all events.
Zanie is highly regarded within the industry & was Pippa Funnell’s Head Girl for 4 years, she was part of Pippa’s team, making History in 2003 by winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. She knows me and the horses inside out and therefore is a huge support to me, always loyal and it is an absolute privilege to work with someone so dedicated and professional. I do not have to think about anything she is one step ahead of me (and everyone else!) and I never have to check or second guess anything. I am thrilled to have her on board.
During 2015 I welcomed new horses and new owners to the yard so here’s a little update!
Sir Papillion “Papi” owned by Jacqui Collins
Papi joined the yard in January 2015, he has enjoyed his first season eventing and is an exciting prospect for the future.
Dacapo Syndicate “Cal”
I am thrilled that Cal bought in June 2015 has been sold into the yard his new owners are:-
Carolyn Taylor along with Richard & Gillian (Jink) Morris-Adams whom are part of Oratorio II Syndicate, Diana Chappell whom owns Grand Manoeuvre & Michael & Alison Smedley whom own Acrobat du Village.
Canaletto “Mickey” owned by Catherine Adair
Mickey joined the yard in July 2015. He is a 7 year old but has not yet competed so will be introduced to eventing in 2016.
Pintow – owned by Maggie Sargent
Pintow joined us in August 2015. He is an 8 year old who had show jumped in Germany before Maggie purchased him.
Constanza “Connie” owned by Marianne Adair
Connie joined the yard in September 2015. She is a 4 year old who will contest Young Horse classes and begin her eventing career in 2016.
Calmaro “Mario”
A 4 year old, grey gelding, who was purchased in Germany in November. He will contest Young Horse classes and begin his eventing career in 2016.
Cor De Cyrkon “Luigi” – Owned Keith & Louise Scott (owners of Mr Bass) are joined by new owners Carl Rigby and Mark Robertson. He is a 4 Year-Old German Bred, bay gelding recently purchased in Germany in November when I was competing in Stuttgart. He will contest Young Horse classes and begin his eventing career in 2016.
Moon under Water “Lunar” – owned by Karen Bartlett
Lunar joined the yard in November 2015, he was bred by Karen. Bruce Haskell has successfully competed him up to 1* Level. He is a 6 year old who will continue to progress through the grades.
A fond farewell to Controe “Conker” – Owned by Karen Bartlett & Margie Gibb
In December, Controe our eventer turned show jumper, found a super little jockey and an amazing new home. Having had him since he was 4yo, he has given me some great memories on the show jumping circuit. I wish his new little jockey all the success and fun with him!
The horses are all back in work now and I am already out show jumping and have training dates booked in.
Bring on the first BE event & fingers crossed for a good year in 2016.
