Profile

 

I was born in Cornwall, rode and competed as a child through the Western Hunt Pony Club, obtained my Pony Club ‘B Test’ and competed in the Pony Club Championships at Weston Park in 1996 on Cornish Buccaneer.

I first represented the UK as a member of the Junior Team at the 2001 European Championships in Germany riding Uther Pendragon II, owned by Robin Holloway and a horse I have ridden since the age of 14.


2002 saw me competing at Punchestown, where I was 4th on Uther Pendragon II and 12th on Lesley Davies’ Master Blaster. I became National Under 21 Champion at Weston Park in the same year and was reserve for the European Young Riders team.

Quote by Captain Mark Phillips in his Horse and Hound Eventing column “Are we entering a golden era? Cressida Clauge Reading, Kitty Boggis and Abi Walters make up as strong an array of talent as I have seen in a long time”

I was part of the Gold Medal winning team at the Young Rider European Championships in 2003 in Poland and also won the individual Bronze medal on Uther Pendragon II. I was selected for the World Class Start Programme aimed at potential Olympians and under this scheme I have access to our top trainers.

Pammy Hutton also writing in Horse and Hound: “Abi Walters has renewed my faith in the young. She is stunning to teach because she is so receptive. I think she will go far.”

I moved my team of horses to Hyde Farm West in 2004 where I am based with Gill Watson FBHS, my mentor and Trainer, and who has superb training facilities. Four major motorways are within easy reach, which gives me excellent access to many events throughout the UK and Europe.

2005 saw me reach an ambition in my eventing career by taking Uther Pendragon II to both Badminton and Burghley for the first time. I finished 39 at Badminton jumping clear cross country, but at Burghley we had a mishap half way round the course. Mrs Sylvia Arthur’s Chalcotts Saracen and Angela Wise’s Magenta were 6th and 10th respectively at the Novice Championships, Gatcombe jumping two of only five double clears.

“Abi Walters rode with feel that would benefit a far more experienced competitor.” Quote from William Fox-Pitt’s eventing column in Horse & Hound after Badminton 2005.

I had a very positive start to 2006, winning at both Stilemans and Tweseldown One Day Events on the first two weekends. Uther Pendragon ran well at the World Cup qualifier at Chatsworth in May, and Chalcotts Saracen won a Sansaw CIC** in June – a well deserved results for a talented horse. The team continued to be in consistent form throughout the year and I am already looking forward to next season.

Thanks for starting me on the ladder of an eventing career must go to my parents for supporting me throughout my Junior and Young Riders years and that continues with my loyal owners, sponsors and helpers – I really appreciate their fantastic input.