Oliver Walter
I started riding at the age of thirteen but only started riding competitively four years ago when we moved to Cobham Manor Equestrian Centre. I have owned numerous horses but to enable me to fund my competing and training have brought and sold on numerous horses so I can buy talented youngsters, some I will keep others I will sell to fund and further my career.
I have trained in Holland with Peiter Verbarkel for two months were I learnt a lot, developing a good seat through staying on the youngsters and on how to progress young horses. I have also spent invaluable time with Michel and Mette Assouline.
On returning from Holland I purchased Cobhams Zimba as an unbroken 3 year old. This striking grey stallion by Biotop x Democrat is now 6 but things haven’t always gone to plan. As a 4 year old he had an accident which resulted in a puncture wound to his face and was off for 6 months while it healed.
However, he won the southern regional championships at prelim with 73%, 4% above the next horse; qualified for the winter finals in 2009 where we finished 5th. In February 2010 finished a credible 1st in the prelim, 5th in the novice and 7th in the novice to music. We are both now out competing and winning at elementary level.
Personally it’s also been a testing time for me as I was diagnosed with Crones Disease and in December underwent two operations, was fitted with a colostomy bag, which I had reversed in the spring. Recovery was going well only for a pony to fall on me and damage my shoulder resulting another operation!
I have been selected for BYRDS southern regional teams and national training which has been really beneficial. To receive instruction from some of the country’s most recognised trainers and riders is fantastic and it’s great to meet up and spend time with other young riders too.
This year I started to compete two new five year olds, Cobhams Aaron, a dark bay gelding who’s competing at novice and Cobhams Acuno who has loads of potential and did the Hickstead 5 year old national classes and finished ??
Recently Zimba’s been having a break and whilst he’s been enjoying his time in the field I’ve been concentrating on Cobhams Don Unico a 6 year old chestnut gelding, who’s competing at novice but working medium / advanced medium at home.
Following on from the BRYDS national training I am now trained by international dressage rider Gareth Hughes with aims to ride at grand prix, be selected for young rider and senior teams and ultimately ride at the Olympics. I must also mention my Mum, Michelle Jarvis; without her help and support I wouldn’t be in the fortunate position I am today.
I’ll regularly blog to let you know what’s been happening with the horses whilst out competing and training.
I am proud to be associated and supported by Chestfields Equine Products.
