Liz Willetts was presented with an Animalweb Good Horsemanship Award in recognition of her commitment to putting her horse’s welfare first and for acting on advice to make positive changes for both herself and her horse.
Loci is Liz’s 17-year-old Welsh Cob gelding who continues to enjoy a varied and successful competition career. Together they compete in veteran classes, British Dressage and arena eventing, while also incorporating regular water treadmill sessions into his fitness programme. The pair have represented at the Home Nations championships and recently fulfilled one of Liz’s long-held ambitions by qualifying for the performance horse class at the London International Horse Show. Competing alongside specialist sports horses, Loci was the only native breed in the class, making the achievement particularly memorable. Looking back at the photographs from the event, Liz said it was especially rewarding to know that both she and Loci were looking and feeling their very best.
Receiving the Welfare Stewarding Group Award at Three Counties was especially meaningful as it recognised the journey Liz and Loci have been on over the past year. At the previous Three Counties Show, Liz made the decision not to compete Loci herself because she felt she was too heavy for him, asking a friend to ride instead. Afterwards, she approached the Welfare Stewarding Group team and asked to have herself and all of her equipment weighed so she had a clear benchmark and target to work towards.
Twelve months later, Liz returned having made significant progress. After working towards her target throughout the year, she was within the recommended rider weight range and was able to compete Loci herself. She described it as incredibly rewarding to come back and see the results of the changes she had made, knowing she had done everything she could to support Loci’s welfare.
Liz hopes her experience encourages others to view rider and tack weighing as a positive welfare tool rather than something to fear. She believes there should be no shame or stigma around conversations about rider weight, and that providing riders with accurate information empowers them to make informed decisions for the benefit of their horses. By leading through her own example, she hopes more people will feel confident engaging with welfare initiatives and using rider, tack and saddle weights as practical guides to support their horse’s wellbeing.
Liz also praised the Welfare Stewarding Group team for creating such a welcoming and supportive environment, saying she felt completely comfortable throughout the process. Receiving the award was a lovely recognition of the commitment she has shown to Loci’s wellbeing while continuing to enjoy a successful partnership together.
