RIDER PROFILES
Peter Bennett
Driving horses or ponies is a skill in itself but managing a team of four horses is quite amazing. That’s exactly what Peter Bennett does – very well. He got into the sport because a friend of his mother’s gave riding lessons and thought one day he’s give it go. “I have been riding and driving since I was twelve and I adore the challenge of driving a team of four,” Peter explained to us, “especially when they all work really well together - the rewards are brilliant.”
An average day consists of Peter working until about 2pm, he will then go to the yard and drive the horses, sometimes in pairs or fours or sometimes as singles. Some are also ridden in the morning by Peter’s groom, who he says he couldn’t do without, as is his wife Emily who is also an essential part of the team, being Peter’s ‘eyes on the ground’. “My main aim now is to be selected for the World Equestrian Games in 2006. Even though my horses are still young and I wouldn’t to expect them to finish too high we would love to represent our country again,” Peter commented. “Hopefully though we can be serious contenders in 2010.”
The best horse in Peter’s string is Sylvester, who though only a six year old, will happily drive as lead or wheel horse on either side. If Peter could choose any horse to own it would be Palado, the old leader from the Team of Chardon, a bay Gelderlander with looks and movement full of presence which really turned heads. Peter would advice anyone looking for good tips on driving to watch other competitors, as you can learn a lot – not just when they are competing, but on the days leading up to the competition starting.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Saving a lot of money! No, probably shooting, fishing etc.
Hates
Ginger biscuits, traffic jams, dark, wet winter mornings
VITAL STATISTICS
BASED
Helsby, Cheshire
AGE
42
NUMBER OF HORSES
6
FAVOURITE BAILEYS PRODUCT
No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes
RESULTS THIS SEASON
| National Championships - 3rd |
| National Points League - 2nd |
| Henbury Hall - 2nd |
| Hopetown - 2nd |
| Castle Kennedy - 2nd |
TOP TIPS!
- Attention to detail
- Stay calm and positive
- Have a good support team of people who want to win as much as you do!