Will and Olli Fletcher: Horse & Hound backyard talk over with

Previous this month, H&H paid a talk over with to the Oxfordshire backyard of high-flying showjumping brothers Will and Olli Fletcher. It was once a short lived interlude at house simply north of Lambourn in between Will’s commute south to the Sunshine Excursion, and Olli’s flight to Doha for his first enjoy of the International Champions League.

We are hoping you revel in this unique behind-the-scenes excursion of the backyard, assembly some fabulous horses with attention-grabbing backstories. Don’t pass over the whole interview within the present factor of the mag (22 February).

1.  “I owe Percy the whole thing”

Will with 19-year-old Persimmon (Percy), who completed fourth on the Eu Eventing Championships with Kitty King prior to switching to showjumping and profitable younger rider medals with Will.

2. Hi William’s celebration trick

Olli has taught his peak horse Hi William to kiss him on command. Olli has an extremely robust bond with the 12-year-old via Waldo Van Dungen, who began his profession as an tournament horse. He recovered from colic final season to be positioned in a five-star grand prix.

3. The lads run separate yards – and separate companies

Will, pictured with certainly one of his peak rides, Israel, helps to keep his string in a row of latest external stables adorned with lovely red striking baskets, whilst Olli properties maximum of his horses in an indoor barn.

4. Candy treats

Mum Tina gives Hi William a sugar lump after his leaping consultation.

5. Polework coincides with flat periods

Will places Quintine Van D’Abdijhoeve thru her paces over raised poles

But even so a big 40x85m out of doors college, the place they do maximum in their leaping coaching, there’s a smaller area for flatwork and polework.

“They do numerous polework because it helps to keep them athletic and will get the muscle tissue running correctly, with out striking an excessive amount of pressure on them,” says Tina, who coaches her two sons.

6. An all-weather monitor circumnavigates the paddocks

The Fletchers’ dad, Graham, laid down a canter monitor the use of the previous floor of the college once they had been renovating it. It gives an invaluable selection to hacking. Right here Olli rides Kandoo Z, an eight-year-old owned via Will, forward of Will driving Quintine Van D’Abdijhoeve (Clover).

7. Love is within the air

Olli has a comfortable spot for the pleasant eight-year-old Love (Diamant De Semilly x Heartbreaker). This gorgeous little mare is “so scopey” and can step as much as ratings categories this season.

8. An Irish hunter in conceal?

Will aboard any other eight-year-old mare, Quintine Van D’Abdijhoeve, who was once positioned within the seven-year-old ultimate final season and is owned via Alison Walton.

“She seems like an Irish hunter however she’s so gentle off the bottom when she jumps,” says Will. “She’s come on leaps and limits.”

9. Maintaining the display at the highway

Each and every brother has their very own head groom. Eefie Billson (pictured above main Israel) works for Will and likewise competes her personal showjumper, Pudding. Gemma Chapman (pictured under with Kandoo) is Olli’s groom and likewise is helping with the driving.

10. A quiet leap at house

Tina explains that the horses “by no means leap giant at house”: “A horse doing 1.50m categories gained’t leap greater than 1.40m. We simply wish to stay them at ease, satisfied and playing their process.”

Will jumps his peak horse Iwalinde (Isla)

Olli places the top-class Hi William thru his paces

11. “Percy does no matter he pleases”

Tina provides a deal with to Persimmon

Persimmon is the backyard favorite. He occupies the primary field in Olli’s backyard, although he’s Will’s trip – “as a result of that’s the place he needs to be”. The veteran remains to be profitable grands prix as a 19-year-old.

12. “They lend a hand every different out”

Olli (left, aboard Hi William), and Will driving Iwalinde

Dad Graham admits he’s stunned at how smartly the circle of relatives trade has labored out. Whilst there may be numerous banter, he says: “I will’t be mindful them ever having an issue in regards to the horses – they lend a hand every different out.”

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H&H options editor

Martha is an skilled journalist who’s mad-keen on canines of all styles and sizes. After rising up with various liver and white springer spaniels, she loved 14 years with two rescue canines, one a boulevard canine from Gambia who was once deserted at 3 weeks previous. Now, her consistent significant other, whether or not via her toes at her table or strolling cross-country classes, is Fidget, a particularly vigorous and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on subjects as various as a peak horse’s clone to the most productive GPS trackers for canines, in addition to equestrian and rural issues for Nation Existence, The Box, The Instances, The Spectator and The Telegraph along Horse & Hound.