Laura Collett parts from top rides
Laura Collett has said she is “totally heartbroken” after losing the ride on 2 of her top horses.
The 24-year-old eventer last week said she “had to give up” her share of ownership in Noble Bestman, who is majority owned by her former long-term backer Philip Walker, but declined to elaborate.
It has also emerged that she will no longer ride her Nations Cup partner, Allora 3 — who is also owned by Mr Walker.
Laura had been based at Philip Walker’s yard in Membury, Berks for four years, but relocated to Lambourn in November.
Mr Walker told H&H he is now “taking stock” and that plans are not yet made regarding the horses’ futures.
Eventer Flora Harris will be moving to his yard in January.
Mr Walker added that Laura “chose” to sell Noble Bestman.
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“No one forced her, we said she could buy us out but she didn’t.”
Noble Bestman is recovering after fracturing a pastern at Boekolo in October.
“He will be coming back from Holland following his rehab and we’ll see from there. My daughter [Grace] may ride him,” said Mr Walker.
Laura had been competing the horse since 2010. He took her clear round Badminton and Burghley.
“I’m totally heartbroken, but I was left with no choice,” she told H&H.
Laura said the decision had been made “for various reasons”, but there had been “no falling out”.
“It’s gutting, especially the mare [Allora] — I produced her and sold her to Philip because he liked her. I’m so disappointed as she was a potential team horse, but she’s no longer an option, so I have to move on,” she said.
Laura added that she has some exciting young horses and is looking to expand.
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.