Facebook debate about picture of jockey’s young daughter sends post viral

A photo of a six-year-old child tackling a showjump has caused considerable debate on Facebook — gathering 40,000 likes in just one day.

The post (shown below) of Lilly Aspell reached more than 2.3m people when H&H published it on our social media page yesterday (Monday 29 September).

Post by Horse & Hound.

Lilly’s mother Donna Aspell told H&H she was “totally surprised” by the response.

“I just thought I’d send it in. I didn’t expect it to be posted, not least to go down a storm,” she said.

Although the photo attracted some negative comments, Donna added: “It’s every little girl’s dream to be in H&H and Lilly is thrilled.”

“98% of them are sweet messages,” she said. “Lilly just said she’d didn’t care and just wants to event.”

The pony, Tinkerbell, is a 15-year-old Welsh section A, has been with the family since June, and is a “super” pony.

The family are based in Newmarket and Lilly has been riding since she was a tot — she went hunting aged four with her father, jockey Paddy Aspell.

Although she has a jockey for a father, and for an uncle — Leighton won this year’s Grand National — Lilly is currently determined to event.

“It’s her dream to represent Team GB one day,” added Donna.

Enjoy pictures of other enthusiastic young riders in our online gallery below.

Tiny tots in the saddle [PICS]

Gallery of mini riders and their ponies in action

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