A very special lady called Nikki , contacted the Willberry’s Wish team with an unusual request.  Nikki had been diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer and was bravely undertaking the Your Horse 1000 mile hacking challenge on her rescue horse Merrylegs.  She asked Willberry if he could manage to arrange for her to finish the final miles of her challenge at Badminton Horse Trials.  This seemed an impossible task, but thanks to the incredible support and generosity of Event Director Jane Tuckwell, plans were made for Nikki to ride into Badminton on the Wednesday of the competition.  Sadly, when Covid hit the country, this could not happen, and all wishes were put on hold.

As soon as things started to open up again this year, Willberry and his team came up with an idea for a wish for Nikki which would make her feel extra special, and help to make up for the disappointment of not fulfilling the Badminton plan.  They asked her if she would like a professional photoshoot of her and Merrylegs, complete with a hair and make up session first.  Nikki was over the moon with the idea, so the team went to work to find a photographer with the talent, creativity and empathy to take the perfect shots..... Enter Amy Lathrope-Reid of Indy Equine Photography!!  Amy is an incredible photographer and when Willberry asked her she immediately jumped at the chance!  She also recommended a brilliant make up artist Charlotte Carlton-Smith, who again was delighted to be part of such a special occasion.

          

Despite an unsettled week, as Willberry travelled to Cirencester for the photoshoot the sun shone up above and the weather was perfect.  Charlotte did an amazing job on Nikki, making her look so beautiful without changing her natural looks and style.  Willberry watched carefully to see if he could pick up some tips for his mane!

Then it was time for the photo shoot with Amy, and how incredible that was.  Nikki and Merrylegs looked so beautiful together, and Amy spent so much time getting the photos just right, in lots of different ways.  Merrylegs did need some bribing with several packets of polos, and when the novelty of those wore off the bucket of nuts came out, followed by Amy’s trump card, recordings of neighing horses on her phone!  Willberry met Merryberry, who was equally confused by all the horses whinnying, so they decided to just keep quiet and watch from a safe distance!

            

We cannot thank Amy enough for her time, kindness and incredible photography skills, and also to Charlotte for making Nikki look and feel so special.  It was exactly what Nikki deserved, and she will have the wonderful selection of photos to remember the day forever 💗 

Just a sneaky preview of one of the amazing photographs on their way to Nikki 💗