HAWLEY MAKES A FLYING VISIT
Only five days has passed since Hawley Bennett and
Livingstone arrived from Canada to compete at this year’s
Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
The diminutive blonde and her former race horse crossed the
Atlantic to fulfil a life’s ambition. “For me, coming to Badminton
is a dream come true,” said Hawley after her dressage test. “I have
watched many videos – I think I have sat through last years seven
times already”.
Hawley, who is a professional rider, now based in California, has
owned Livingstone a Canadian Thoroughbred for 13 years since she
bought him off the track as a four-year-old. “I did Pony Club with
him and we have gone through the grades together – there is no
horse I’d rather have to take me round here,” said Hawley who has
completed the Kentucky Rolex four-star event with Livingstone three
times and has been placed 18th, 22nd & 24th. The pair was also
in the Canadian Olympic team in Athens.
Like many of the riders this year Hawley believes the course to
be big. “You have got to ride for every single fence but I haven’t
tossed my cookies yet.”
Hawley and the chestnut Livingstone, who are based with
Australian David Green for the duration of their stay, return to
California on Monday morning – a total stay of just eight whole
days.