Where in the world is Jack Wilkinson

Travelling Apprentice Groom

I’m Jack Wilkinson, I am a Level 2 apprentice working for Nigel Coupe in Preston. Part of my job as an apprentice is to travel to show jumping competitions in the UK and abroad.

Since my last blog when I was in Abu Dhabi,  I have since been to the South of France for 4 weeks with 3 horses; Glovers Hill, Jubilee III and Dragon. Whilst there I looked after them every day as well as turning them out for the classes.

After France we were back home for a few weeks, then we went to a show in Ireland called Balmoral with Glovers Hill and Dragon. After Ireland we travelled home before heading to Germany for a show called Hamburg Derby for a week; on the way home we stopped off at a show in Weirden, Holland for another week of competing.

My job is to make sure that the horses were kept relaxed and settled throughout the travelling and when they arrive at new places. Nigel had many great results from these shows, including Jubilee III winning the Grand Prix in the South of France.

In all of these travels Nigel and Glovers Hill had a fantastic win back in the UK, the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby 2017! Nigel had been trying to win this for 27 years, I’m sure he won this year because he now has the best travelling groom working for him, and of course a top home groom, Jamie! I was involved in the prize giving and even went in to the main arena to receive my own prize!

Glovers Hill had a short break then went to the Great Yorkshire Show where he won the ‘Cock O’ The North’.

Next stop is back to Aachen in Germany for the nations cup and then to the Royal International! 

Jack. 

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