On 14th December 2022, Richmond Equestrian Centre hosted the first of five sell out invitation only Q&A evenings with Olympic silver medallist and FEI World Equestrian Games gold medallist, Nicola Wilson. The sixty guests also helped to raise £250 for The Great North Air Ambulance. Abigail Turnbull was grateful to everyone who supported the fundraising raffle, including local businesses who donated generous prizes. The local international event rider and recent winner of the Horse and Hound Inspirational Moment of the Year 2022 Award, shared personal anecdotes from her competition successes to the decision to retire as a result of a freak accident at Badminton Horse Trials 2022. William Pittendrigh, one of Richmond Equestrian Centre’s sponsored riders, who trains with Nicola, reported: “It is great that everyone has come together this evening to support Nicola. It is lovely to see her looking so well. It is a pleasure to be part of the audience and I am grateful to the Turbull family for inviting me to such a special evening.” Nicola also expressed how lucky she felt to be encouraged in the next chapter of her life. She has displayed sheer resilience, bravery and dedication to her ‘life adjustment’ and she shared that she aimed to ‘muddle on and make the best of her situation’ with the help from her husband, Alastair.
The star struck audience enjoyed watching a slideshow of heartwarming and intimate photos of Nicola’s riding achievements as well as her battle from bed hoist and wheelchair in the early stages of recovery after sustaining multiple spinal fractures to fulfilling her current ambition to train and mentor others to achieve their equestrian goals.
Nicola opened with fond memories of the 2012 London Olympics: “I remember a sea of people - the crowd were on top of you - so much so that I couldn’t hear the minute markers on my stopwatch! The collecting ring was much smaller than what I was used to at championship events. It was lovely to go to the starting box to see familiar faces wishing us good luck.” Despite experiencing such heartbreaking, life-changing events, Nicola’s positivity and spirit shone through as she shared some humorous tales about receiving her medal from Princess Anne on the podium, which gained a laugh out loud response from the audience who were hooked on her every word. She shared behind the scenes reports of cross country day: “I was delighted to get over the finish line in the time - and clear! Yogi Breisner and my head girl of fifteen years (Lynn Swift) met us at the finish line and we had a good hug! I went to report to the rest of the team. We had walked the course together several times. It was like a go-kart track and had some steep uphill and downhill sections. I also walked the course individually and I believe it is important to plan for the individual horse. Riders should stick to their systems and ride in a way that works for them. If we transfer our training to the competition ring, the horse is much more relaxed and in partnership with the rider.” From the dizzy heights of the podium and the pressure of wanting to fulfil expectations of supporters, to attending Buckingham Palace, to celebrating with Team GB at the closing ceremony, Nicola shared her return journey to normality as she travelled home to North Yorkshire on a packed train, sitting on her luggage on the floor due to a lack of seats!
Throughout the evening, Nicola emanated admiration, respect and selfless love for her horses from the hard pulling Bumble she competed in her younger years to the legendary Opposition Buzz who she described to hold a special place in her heart due to making her childhood dreams a reality. Breeder, Rosemary Search, described the Olympic star as an ‘ugly duckling’ when he was a foal; however, he grew into a ‘beautiful swan’ and now boasts a worthy place in the Hall of Fame in London.
Another legendary team mate, JL Dublin, who Nicola was riding at the time of her career ending fall, was selected by Nicola as a four year old. She shared her first impressions of Dubs, “He oozed quality and ability even as an immature blank canvas. We thought he looked like a promising horse and although some aspects of his training, like mastering rein back and changes have been slow, I believe he really matured throughout winter 2021 and he felt strong, straightforward and ready to win at the start of 2022. He often has his own opinions and he loves the camera; if he was a human he would be at the bar drinking beer with his mates. However, he was always in the ribbons and showed great scope and talent for showjumping.” JL Dublin, owned by Deidre Johnson and Jo and James Lambert OBE, is now partnered by Tom McEwen.
Additionally, Nicola’s younger horses were partnered by Robyn Gray this season. Robyn always had a ‘deep admiration’ for the North Yorkshire equestrian heroine, and when the opportunity became available to work alongside Nicola, Robyn ‘jumped at the chance!’ Robyn stressed that Nicola, ‘always had the time to listen, watch and provide feedback, which displays what a formidable person she is.’
HOYS winning show rider, William Pittendrigh, asked Nicola about her future aims and plans to which she expressed a desire to be a mentor to a future potential Olympian and help them train to reach their goals, which would provide her with ‘great satisfaction’. She has leased her yard to an American team for 2023.
Nicola moved on to share the details of her fall from Dubs and she shared some of the personal and frustrating experiences like not being able to brush her own teeth. The equestrian community has followed Nicola’s Central Cord Syndrome recovery via social media videos from her lengthy stay in hospital after her Badminton to being back on her feet with the aid of a crutch. Nicola recollected that JL Dublin performed a ‘super dressage’ test and was in a good position on what was her final Badminton ride. Nicola continued: “He made the cross country course feel small. He gave such a lovely feeling and was on all of his minute markers.” The fall that shook the horse world on 7th May, occurred at the third element of fence 27. Nicola described the horrors of the experience as she was paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe due to a paralysed diaphragm. She praised the staff in the medical tent at Badminton Horse Trials as well as the hospital staff and visitors who supported her recovery. From not being able to move her upper body at all, Nicola recalled the milestones of progress from wiggling a toe again to knocking time off her daily wheelchair corridor stretch as she built independence stepping stones!
Local equestrian, Amanda Donkin, braved to ask what many of the audience were thinking: “After breaking your neck when eventing previously, what made you continue?” Nicola expressed the magic and the exhilaration experienced when leaving the ground on horseback. The freedom experienced on the cross country course overruled her deliberation about retiring. Like many equestrians, whether professional or amateur, the audience were able to relate to the concept of sacrificing so much in order to succeed in the sport. Although Para-equestrian options are a potential future pathway, Nicola concluded that she was ready for a different challenge in life and that she would like to spend more time with her husband in the coming years.
Nicola is building strength by using a ‘homemade gym’ that Alastair assembled. When the horsebox was sold, Alastair also welded a set of railings in its parking space, so that Nicola could exercise in the yard. Regular neurophysiology and use of the hydro pool are also part of Nicola’s rehabilitation programme. With an assessment looming, the Richmond Equestrian Centre team would like to wish Nicola the very best of luck at the possibility of driving her car again soon. Nicola was also keen to commend the British Eventing Support Charity who funded her chair lift and physiotherapy.
Finally, Richmond Equestrian sponsored rider, Samantha Osborne, asked: “Which riders inspired you as you were growing up and what do you admire about riders from other disciplines?” Ian Stark, Mark Todd and Lucinda Green were Nicola’s poster pin ups as a child. She was also full of praise about Charlotte Fry, as well as Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin and expressed that she was in awe of how many young horses they produce to such a high level. Additionally, Nicola highlighted the invaluable input of the UK Sport Lotto for opening avenues with training and education for up and coming talented riders.
Richmond Equestrian Centre are in negotiation with Nicola about training clinics in 2023 but in the meantime the Equestrian Business Awards 2022 Venue of the Year are proud to host additional Q and A dates which include 4th and 12th and 19th January.
The star struck audience enjoyed watching a slideshow of heartwarming and intimate photos of Nicola’s riding achievements as well as her battle from bed hoist and wheelchair in the early stages of recovery after sustaining multiple spinal fractures to fulfilling her current ambition to train and mentor others to achieve their equestrian goals.
Nicola opened with fond memories of the 2012 London Olympics: “I remember a sea of people - the crowd were on top of you - so much so that I couldn’t hear the minute markers on my stopwatch! The collecting ring was much smaller than what I was used to at championship events. It was lovely to go to the starting box to see familiar faces wishing us good luck.” Despite experiencing such heartbreaking, life-changing events, Nicola’s positivity and spirit shone through as she shared some humorous tales about receiving her medal from Princess Anne on the podium, which gained a laugh out loud response from the audience who were hooked on her every word. She shared behind the scenes reports of cross country day: “I was delighted to get over the finish line in the time - and clear! Yogi Breisner and my head girl of fifteen years (Lynn Swift) met us at the finish line and we had a good hug! I went to report to the rest of the team. We had walked the course together several times. It was like a go-kart track and had some steep uphill and downhill sections. I also walked the course individually and I believe it is important to plan for the individual horse. Riders should stick to their systems and ride in a way that works for them. If we transfer our training to the competition ring, the horse is much more relaxed and in partnership with the rider.” From the dizzy heights of the podium and the pressure of wanting to fulfil expectations of supporters, to attending Buckingham Palace, to celebrating with Team GB at the closing ceremony, Nicola shared her return journey to normality as she travelled home to North Yorkshire on a packed train, sitting on her luggage on the floor due to a lack of seats!
Throughout the evening, Nicola emanated admiration, respect and selfless love for her horses from the hard pulling Bumble she competed in her younger years to the legendary Opposition Buzz who she described to hold a special place in her heart due to making her childhood dreams a reality. Breeder, Rosemary Search, described the Olympic star as an ‘ugly duckling’ when he was a foal; however, he grew into a ‘beautiful swan’ and now boasts a worthy place in the Hall of Fame in London.
Another legendary team mate, JL Dublin, who Nicola was riding at the time of her career ending fall, was selected by Nicola as a four year old. She shared her first impressions of Dubs, “He oozed quality and ability even as an immature blank canvas. We thought he looked like a promising horse and although some aspects of his training, like mastering rein back and changes have been slow, I believe he really matured throughout winter 2021 and he felt strong, straightforward and ready to win at the start of 2022. He often has his own opinions and he loves the camera; if he was a human he would be at the bar drinking beer with his mates. However, he was always in the ribbons and showed great scope and talent for showjumping.” JL Dublin, owned by Deidre Johnson and Jo and James Lambert OBE, is now partnered by Tom McEwen.
Additionally, Nicola’s younger horses were partnered by Robyn Gray this season. Robyn always had a ‘deep admiration’ for the North Yorkshire equestrian heroine, and when the opportunity became available to work alongside Nicola, Robyn ‘jumped at the chance!’ Robyn stressed that Nicola, ‘always had the time to listen, watch and provide feedback, which displays what a formidable person she is.’
HOYS winning show rider, William Pittendrigh, asked Nicola about her future aims and plans to which she expressed a desire to be a mentor to a future potential Olympian and help them train to reach their goals, which would provide her with ‘great satisfaction’. She has leased her yard to an American team for 2023.
Nicola moved on to share the details of her fall from Dubs and she shared some of the personal and frustrating experiences like not being able to brush her own teeth. The equestrian community has followed Nicola’s Central Cord Syndrome recovery via social media videos from her lengthy stay in hospital after her Badminton to being back on her feet with the aid of a crutch. Nicola recollected that JL Dublin performed a ‘super dressage’ test and was in a good position on what was her final Badminton ride. Nicola continued: “He made the cross country course feel small. He gave such a lovely feeling and was on all of his minute markers.” The fall that shook the horse world on 7th May, occurred at the third element of fence 27. Nicola described the horrors of the experience as she was paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe due to a paralysed diaphragm. She praised the staff in the medical tent at Badminton Horse Trials as well as the hospital staff and visitors who supported her recovery. From not being able to move her upper body at all, Nicola recalled the milestones of progress from wiggling a toe again to knocking time off her daily wheelchair corridor stretch as she built independence stepping stones!
Local equestrian, Amanda Donkin, braved to ask what many of the audience were thinking: “After breaking your neck when eventing previously, what made you continue?” Nicola expressed the magic and the exhilaration experienced when leaving the ground on horseback. The freedom experienced on the cross country course overruled her deliberation about retiring. Like many equestrians, whether professional or amateur, the audience were able to relate to the concept of sacrificing so much in order to succeed in the sport. Although Para-equestrian options are a potential future pathway, Nicola concluded that she was ready for a different challenge in life and that she would like to spend more time with her husband in the coming years.
Nicola is building strength by using a ‘homemade gym’ that Alastair assembled. When the horsebox was sold, Alastair also welded a set of railings in its parking space, so that Nicola could exercise in the yard. Regular neurophysiology and use of the hydro pool are also part of Nicola’s rehabilitation programme. With an assessment looming, the Richmond Equestrian Centre team would like to wish Nicola the very best of luck at the possibility of driving her car again soon. Nicola was also keen to commend the British Eventing Support Charity who funded her chair lift and physiotherapy.
Finally, Richmond Equestrian sponsored rider, Samantha Osborne, asked: “Which riders inspired you as you were growing up and what do you admire about riders from other disciplines?” Ian Stark, Mark Todd and Lucinda Green were Nicola’s poster pin ups as a child. She was also full of praise about Charlotte Fry, as well as Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin and expressed that she was in awe of how many young horses they produce to such a high level. Additionally, Nicola highlighted the invaluable input of the UK Sport Lotto for opening avenues with training and education for up and coming talented riders.
Richmond Equestrian Centre are in negotiation with Nicola about training clinics in 2023 but in the meantime the Equestrian Business Awards 2022 Venue of the Year are proud to host additional Q and A dates which include 4th and 12th and 19th January.