Biography
Aaron first rode at Badminton in 2009, completing on his Junior team horse, Stormstay.
His Badminton ride this year, Friendship VDL (stable name ‘Friendly’), was bred at the VDL Stud in the Netherlands and was previously produced by Padraig McCarthy. He has been with Aaron for 10 years and is very much a yard favourite who lives up to his nickname. The pair started at Badminton last year but withdrew after dressage; in 2024, they finished 25th at Burghley and sixth at Bramham CCI4*-L.
Aaron, who is originally from Devon and is a former Pony Club champion, has represented Britain at Nations Cup level. He is married to Lucinda Mesquita, a fellow competitor; they live locally to Badminton, at Minety in Wiltshire, where they train and sell sport horses. Aaron also competes Tomatillo, a clone of the 2004 Badminton winner Tamarillo.
He is trained by Jeremy Scott and Ian Woodhead.
Entries
Friendship VDL
KWPN,
Netherlands,
2010
16.3hh , bay , gelding
Sire Azteca VDL
Dam Utah Roos VDL (A Hold Up Premier)
Breeder VDL Stud
Owned
Heidi Bates
Hilary Prewecki
- This will be Aaron Millar's 10th CCI5* start and Friendship VDL's third.
- Friendship VDL boasts a perfect record across his last 13 international cross-country rounds, jumping clear every time.
Withdrawn
KEC Deakon
ISH,
Ireland,
2010
16.2hh , bay , gelding
Sire Chacoa
Dam KEC Hotfoot (Glidawn Diamond )
Breeder Mrs Anne Kennedy
Owned Heid Bates