Life on the Left Shoulder
Hi everyone,
My name is Bradberry and I am a Wonderpony. A few years ago I was plucked from the Willberry stand at Barbury International Horse Trials to join TEAMBRITNELL and David Britnell Eventing. I was immediately named Bradberry after the stablename,Brad, which is David’s top horse, Continuity.
What followed has been a roller coaster, literally! I live life on the left shoulder of David Britnell which is an exhilarating spot to be. I have my own cross country colours which match David’s and scarf to keep the chill out. I am strapped safely onto his cross country bib with red electrical tape but I am relieved to hear that my Willberry family have invented a Willberry harness so my next event should be supremely comfortable. My job is very important as I look after the kit and lorry when they are outside doing jobs and then, when David gets kitted up to ride I navigate. Don’t tell anyone but he once missed out a fence before I joined the team.
I also check distances, help to keep him balanced, keep an eye on the clock and cheer them both on. It’s not outside assistance if it’s inside assistance! I keep a check on those pesky corner and skinny flags too, as they are a real worry these days. Not that Brad ever means to do anything other than go between them.
Someone asked me the other day whether I love David or Brad more. I simply couldn’t answer because we are all brothers when we are galloping and flying those huge fences. Of course I also get to help out with David’s other rides too and regularly get dusty and wet though thankfully rarely muddy.
Last season we completed Blenheim and went to France to compete at Pau in our first 4, now 5* and following an exciting Belton and Larkhill aboard Brad's stable mates (where the start team tried to rename me “Attackberry” on account of Gmas (David’s Mum Dawn who wears a pink #KICKINGCANCERSBUTT wristband) war cry when we are about to start) we are now preparing for our first visit to Badminton. Actually it will be their second visit as they were 5th in the Grassroots Championships in 2012/13.
I am looking forward to hearing the commentators talking about Hannah, Willberry and the wonderful charity they set up as we ride round the cross country course. I may not hear all of it, what with the wind in my ears, Brad’s hooves thundering and the sound of the crowd, but I know she will be watching us and cheering us on.
Crack on as David always says,
Love