Catching up with HorseQuest ambassador, Will Rawlin

Let’s start with a quick rundown of your 2025 season, how was it?

Although 2025 wasn’t a season filled with wins every weekend or at every level, it was a year of real progress. Ballycoog Breaker Boy is now firmly established at CCI5* level, and delivering our personal-best dressage score at Burghley was a major milestone. Badminton was a true highlight too, another clear cross-country round and a top-25 finish that reflected the hard work behind the scenes.

Across the yard, my talented team of horses continued to step up. Casta Diva really showcased her scope and potential, taking multiple wins in her first international season.

I’m also incredibly excited about the new young horses who joined the team this year. Thanks to the support of new owners and syndicate members, I’m developing a group of horses that I believe have a very bright future. It’s also been the horses’ first season in the new yard, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in their fitness and overall strength. With a few small adjustments and plenty of training through the winter, I’m confident this will set us up well for a strong 2026 season.

How does the ‘off season’ look for team Rawlin?

I was really lucky enough to squeeze in a last-minute 10-day beach holiday with Georgia which was pure bliss getting her sun fix!

I’m hoping to sneak away again if I can and get a few days on the slopes, which is definitely my favourite off-season hobby. I’m also trying to use this time to focus on a few projects to support my career, including modelling!

What are your aims for 2026?

• 2026 I want to return to Badminton on Ballycoog Breaker Boy, and achieve a top 10 result.

• I have a couple of lovely young horses I want to aim for the Young Horse Championships at Cornbury and Le Lion 6yrolds. As well as two 5 yr olds hoping for. good start to their career, and hopefully finishing at the BYEH champs!

• The Nations Cups are always great to aim for, so I would love to get a few more of those under my belt!

  
  

What's your favourite event to compete at?

Any of the Big B's. I have had great success at Blenheim and Bramham so it is always great to go back there. However, I have to say there is no feeling quite like driving up the drive and into the stables at Badminton. I am looking forward to hopefully many more years at these amazing top events. I recently have just been to a new exciting event at the end of the season called Tetworth with the younger horses. I was seriously impressed with the quality of the event, and in a few years we will be fighting to get entries in.

The event you’d most like to win?

Badminton or Burghley CCI5* are the obvious goals, but I’m equally passionate about producing young horses to win at Young Horse finals - whether at Cornbury, Le Lion and then seeing them progress to take the 8/9-year-old classes at Blenheim. Producing horses is very much a long-game process, and being able to keep them throughout their careers makes each success even more rewarding. I absolutely love developing them from the start, so achieving that full journey would be incredibly satisfying.

If there's one horse you could steal who would it be?

I have always loved Jarillo, Tim Price's newly minted 5* winner. I have watched him since a young horse and he has always stood out from the crowd. I also love Will Coleman's Chin Tonic. He reminds me of a horse I have in my stables called Mackenzy. If he turns out to be as smart and successful as him, I will be very happy!

What’s your greatest achievement?

VIP Vinnie was an amazing horse for me when I was younger, and gave me a lot of success when we were in the U25's, finishing 3rd at Bramham U25's in 6 Jun 2019. He then went on to being 3rd after Bicton CCI5* with another PB in 2021. Since then, Ballycoog Breaker Boy has gives me 2 Badminton Clear Cross Countrys, finishing as best British First Timer in 2024. Burghley 2025 wasn't the fairytale ending this year, however, it was a great highlight to be sitting in the top 3 after day one dressage. He gives me an amazing feeling Cross Country, and I know he has success to come. Hopefully 2026 will be his year!

What are your hobbies outside of eventing?

Skiing, skiing and more skiing!

What career path would you have pursued if not horses?

I think if I weren’t an event rider, I’d probably pursue a career in another sport. I used to swim for my county, though that was a bit too anti-social for me! More likely, I’d love to be a professional tennis player, the lifestyle looks incredible, and it’s such an amazing sport to be part of, I also know Georgia wouldn't mind watching unlike swimming!! I guess my competitive streak comes from my Dad, who competed in cross-country skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics!

Random fact about yourself that people might not know?

I have a weird love-hate relationship with cheese. I hate it in sandwiches or most cooked food, but slather it on garlic bread and I’m instantly happy. And as for a cheese board? - I'm all over it. It confuses me too...

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Tell us a bit about the few horses you’ve got for sale…

Cullion Womanizer — Top Junior/Young Rider prospect. He's been produced by me since he was five, I have always loved his type and presence. He is quick, bold, polite, and extremely fun to ride. He will make a very successful Junior or Young Rider horse for someone who wants to be competitive but also have a horse for their long term future to go up the levels. He is smart and flashy so will turn alot of heads!

View his advert on HorseQuest >

MBF Conticco Striker 4-year-old MBF gelding — Serious event horse potential

Striker is a big, rangy and brave young horse who is showing all the qualities of a future top event horse. He has already competed in Hunter Trials, BYEH classes, and showjumping, proving his class and trainability. Originally purchased to produce and sell, which is always hard when you buy types you love yourself! Unfortunately, I have to run a business and if I can't find an owner for him, he will need to be sold. I always buy a few youngsters to produce and sell to keep the business going.

View his advert on HorseQuest >

Both horses are exciting, high-quality prospects for riders aiming to be competitive. Serious enquiries welcome.

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