( David britnell )
Pony Club 90 competitions, coming 5th at Badminton grass roots 100 to now completing Badminton 5*; I can honestly say I worship this horse!” Continuity (aka Brad) is a German bred, 16.3, 15-year-old Holstein gelding that David describes as a ‘muscle pack’. “Brad came into my life as a five-year-old ‘failed showjumper”, recalls David. “Brad was never going to be a 5* horse and I was never going to be a 5* rider, but it’s all evolved and it’s amazing how far you can get when you put the time and effort in and you enjoy it.” From then until now, David and Brad’s journey has been enthralling, but it really took off in 2013. The partnership completed their first 1* followed by an impressive win in the 2* at Rockingham in 2016. “We came third place behind William Fox Pitt at Barbury International in the 2* and went on to complete both Bramham and Blenheim at 3*”, says David. “Our Badminton ticket was secured by our successful run at Pau 5* last year where we came 10th with our first attempt at that level.” David is one cool customer and headed to Badminton with a positive mindset. “We trained for Badminton the same as we would any other event. I have always had the philosophy that as long as the horse has improved and as long as we have had fun then that’s why we spend our money”, says David. “At Badminton I didn’t feel pressure nor was I massively nervous, which is a bit strange for me and to be fair if I wasn’t so relaxed in the showjumping I probably wouldn’t have had two of the three poles we had down.” For the all-important Badminton trot up David flamboyantly pulled off an incredible outfit by Timothy Foxx. “They are a fantastic company and I love my tweeds!” beams David. “They fitted me out beautifully and offer such good customer service, I feel very proud and British wearing their clothes.” You can watch David’s impressive headcam footage of the pair flying
over the Badminton cross country on YouTube where the combination flew clear with only a few time penalties. The video really gives you an insight into the couple’s special bond that has been built over time with David reassuringly communicating with his best friend the entire round. “I thought the course was very rideable when I walked it”, says David. “I don’t want to sound cocky but because of our previous runs I knew we could do it, so we went into the start box with a positive frame of mind.” Looking to the future David is excited by two horses on his yard; the first being CSF Why Me (aka Louis). “He’s a six year old, dapple grey who I bought with a kind giſted sum of money from a group of Pony Club parents that aſter our success at Pau wanted to help me build my string”, says David gratefully. “He came from Bumble Thomas and was described as spooky but quality. He is well put together and just has a good head on his shoulders.” The next horse that David enthuses about for the future is Anton, a horse that is technically owned by his grandmother. “He was bought as a three-year-old, unbroken from The Monart Sale. Grandma generously gave me some money and said, ‘go out and see what you can find!”, recalls David. “Anton is a cousin of Brad through his grandad Contender that is Brad’s dad, so he was always going to catch my eye. Anton is massively brave but knows his own mind, so I have to ride him sensitively.” Maybe surprisingly aſter his growing success,
David has no plans to have a full yard of owner’s competition horses. “I want to do things on a smallish scale but do them well. My aim has always been to have a small string of good horses that I know I can run and do properly”, explains David. “I want to have time to continue my teaching and keep the fun aspect to it without having the pressure or stress of disagreements that can come with having owners.” David’s biggest fan, supporter and trainer
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is his mother, Dawn. She is a senior BHS accredited professional coach, accredited WOW saddle fitter/retailer and certified Centre 10 coach. “I would help out at Pony Club where I used to yell ‘attack!’ at David and the kids at the start of competitions”, laughs Dawn. “It used to get the children riding forward and positively but I still continue this tradition today. I always shout ‘attack!’ and from the start box and Badminton was no different!” Dawn is understandably proud of how far her son has come and with his continued work ethic. “David has come up through the ranks on the back of sheer grit and determination. He has predominantly only had me as a coach as we couldn’t afford anyone else other than Pony Club”, concludes Dawn “I am his biggest fan and Brad keeps my son safe over the biggest tracks in the world and I and David owe him everything.”
Photo by Brian Findlay Photography
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