AT 28, Fenella Quinn has withstood more challenges than many, so early in her professional career. She’s faced a potential career-ending injury, a heartbreaking loss and having to retire her soulmate years ahead of his prime. Despite this, her sunny outlook – teamed with an understanding of the highs and lows of the sport – means she continues to push forward. And with some serious new horsepower in the former British team horse Hawtins Delicato, she hopes her dream of team selection could be within touching distance.
When I visit Fenella’s yard, located on the outskirts of Aberdeen city but hidden in 80 acres of enviable countryside, I’m first met by her gloriously happy dogs Brodie and Maya, and head groom Rachel Walbeoff’s dog Ralph. Fenella takes me to meet her old competition pony Comet who, now aged 28 enjoys a pampered retirement and is having a winter de-fuzz from yard manager Lorna Kinghorn.
Looking around at the view and taking in the quietness, it’s no surprise Fenella, a self-confessed “home bird”, has no intention of leaving Scotland – even if it means sometimes 12-hour journeys, accompanied by Rachel, to compete at the top shows.
