Ride of my life: Reta Wix
Reta Wix recalls her ride at Wembly in 1969 aboard Goodwill
The one fence that stays in my mind from that working hunter championship is a big bullfinch. I never knew such a thingexisted and neither did Goodwill, but he jumped through it as though he’d been doing it all his life. He was only a four-year-old, but he was very bold and a perfect gentleman.
The atmosphere at Wembley was great, but Goodwill just acceptedit all. In those days you jumped twice, once outdoors in the morning and again indoors over a course of around six fences in the evening. He jumped well in the morning and when we got to the bullfinch, I shut my eyes and I think he did the same!
At night, I was last to go. Mary Gordon-Watson’s Cornishman had just jumped and he was the favourite to win – I remember thinking we might finish about fourth or even third.
It was a big arena and there seemed to be lots of people watching. I was a bit nervous because of the occasion, although I’d been to Wembley before – and to Harringay – but not because of the jumping. But he never put a foot wrong; he sailed round with his ears pricked like the gentleman he was.
Usually, they called you in according to the order you were placed, so when I wasn’t called in first I thought I hadn’t won. I was disappointed when I didn’t get called in until about sixth or seventh, though.
When they did call me in to head the line I wasn’t watching and the steward had to come and get me. Goodwill was so good; when we got our rosette he stood like a rock with his ears pricked. I must admit I had a few tears then, I was so proud of him.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
I’ve had some good horses since – Mastermind, Border Classic, Border Raider – who was very much like Goodwill and was evented by David O’Connor – but Goodwill was special.
| Don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound (23 January) where Charlotte Brew talks about her ‘ride of a lifetime’ earlier when she became the first woman to ride in the Grand National.Click here to subscribe and enjoy Horse & Hound delivered to your door every week. |
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
