‘Anything could happen’: H&H meets Harriet Nuttall at Hickstead

Horse & Hound's coverage of The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting (24-28 June) is brought to you in association with Equestrian.com

Horse & Hound caught up with 25-year-old British showjumper Harriet Nuttall after she came second in the Derby Trial at the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby meeting with A Touch Imperious.

Where are you based? Nuttall Eqestrian, Somerset.

Who do you train with? My father, Rupert Nuttall.

How many horses do you currently showjump? Eight. We produce all our horses from youngsters, which makes it really satisfying when you do well.

Tell me more about A Touch Imperious? He’s an 11-year-old gelding by Touchdown. I’ve had him since he was five so I know him so well — he would do anything for me. He’s an amazing horse.

What’s he like around the yard? He has so much character, he’s always tipping over the wheelbarrow and chucking stuff across the floor. He’s very nosy and likes to know what’s going on.

What’s he like to jump? He has always been a “yes” horse. He came second last year in the Derby Trial and was third in the Derby. I’ve done the Derby with him three times now.

How do you feel about Sunday’s Derby? Anything could happen, but I’m excited.

Continued below…

Hickstead: Holly Gillott reigns supreme in Derby Trial [VIDEO]

Catch up on the day's showjumping action at the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby meeting (24-28 June) and watch interviews with the

Have you always wanted to be a showjumper? Yes, my first jumping pony was called Smartie. He was a naughty grey and never did what I wanted to do. I always had naughty ponies but I was always keen to give it a go.

What would you do if you weren’t jumping? I’d like to be a PE teacher.

What are your goals? To continue producing top class horses and to represent Britain at five-star level.

Keep an eye out for further updates from the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby meeting on horseandhound.co.uk. Also, don’t miss full coverage and insight in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out next Thursday (2 July)

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