We’re continuing our ‘Meet the Rider Series’, and today we’ll meet Wills Oakden who I’m sure some of you will already be familiar with.
Wills Oakden has been riding since virtually day one! He first sat on a horse before he could even walk and describes his first pony Wren as “the best pony ever”. He began winning rosettes very early on and lead rein games was a firm favourite!
We asked Wills a few questions to help us get to know him better:
Most embarrassing moment: Walking the Advanced course at Weston Park, there was a tricky line involving two corners and a step, whilst debating what line to take, my idol Andrew Nicholson came along and as he was giving me his advice I fell off the step to which he then picked me up by the scruff of my neck and said I hope you ride better than you walk!
Most exhilarating moment: Coming across the finish line at Badminton after jumping clear on Cooley Ramiro was just the most amazing.
Best advice you have ever been given: If you want to play marbles you have to have marbles, meaning if you want to be a professional event rider you need to have a string of horses.
Essential piece of kit: My Champion MIPS hat, I would not ride in anything else.
Favourite horse or pony and why: Wren as that’s where it all began.
Who is your most inspirational person and why? Ian Stark and Andrew Nicholson are the two best cross country riders you will ever watch. Both legends and have had a huge impact on my life since the age of 4.
Favourite food: All food, if I don’t eat, I get nervous, I ate a full lunch just before I went xc at Badminton last year!
Mare or gelding: Don’t mind, as long as they are talented and trainable.
