The first-time Badminton horse who hates being caught, has a ‘chequered history’ and who only started eventing in 2019

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Helen Wilson My Ernie
Helen Wilson riding My Ernie for GREAT BRITAIN during the dressage phase of the Badminton Horse Trails presented by Mars Equestrian, held at Badminton House in the village of Badminton near Malmesbury in Gloucestershire in the UK, on the 4th May 2021
(Image credit: credits-unknown)

Many horses competing at this year’s Badminton Horse Trials, presented by Mars Equestrian, have years of experience under their belts, but the same can’t be said for My Ernie, the mount of Helen Wilson. The 13-year-old, who Helen owns, only started his eventing career in July 2019, when he contested a BE100.

“He was very reasonably priced but he has got a bit of a chequered history. I don’t know all of it, but he’s quirky and that’s why I’ve got him – he’s got a switch and can be very chilled one moment and then suddenly very not so chilled!” says Helen, who is based in Surrey. “He can get quite feisty in a lorry and so I don’t travel him with others. He’s also terrible to catch – at the beginning of this year, when I went to catch him from his winter grazing with my lorry parked in the corner of the field, he ended up squeezing through a gap in the hedge next to the lorry and was last seen galloping towards Dorking high street on the dual carriageway with no headcollar. But he’s got a heart of gold, loves his job and is special in his brain. He’s my best friend – hopefully I’m his too!”

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.