IT can be easy in life sometimes to become stuck in the past, but that’s not the case for Scotland-based eventer Wills Oakden. He takes his lessons, builds on them, and he moves forward, and with this approach, 2022 could be described as his best season yet. He made a confident Burghley debut, achieved 2023 Badminton qualification, and there’s no overlooking the young horses in his string stamping their authority.
When I sit down with the 32-year-old Cumbrian native, there’s a lot of ground to cover as we reflect on last season’s achievements and look to the future. I’m welcomed into his kitchen to catch up over a coffee following a tour of the Perthshire yard that he runs with his wife and fellow eventer Stephanie, with support from head groom Sarah Murray and work rider Kelly Reid.
When summing up his 2022 the straighttalking Wills describes it as a “fantastic” year, but not a “dream” one. And while this could be taken as self-deprecating, Wills goes on to explain further.
“I’ve not won any five-stars or been at the very top. But it’s been a significant step forward and it’s been fun
