Overlander Ambassador Wills Oakden masters Burghley Horse Trials
Wills Oakden & Oughterard Cooley, one of only 2 combinations to complete the cross country clear and inside the time allowed. Photo by Hannah Cole
In a spectacular display of horsemanship Overlander Ambassador, Wills Oakden achieved extraordinary results at the prestigious Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2023.
This remarkable performance secured Wills an impressive 5th place with Oughterard Cooley and 8th place with Arklow Puissance, further solidifying his skilled and dedicated reputation in the eventing world.
Just days before his achievements at Burghley, Wills accomplished an unprecedented treble at his home International, the Defender Blair Castle Horse Trails. There, he clinched victory in the CCI4*L with A Class Cooley, the CCI3*L with Keep It Cooley and the BE100 Scottish Grassroots Championship with Greystone Midnight Harmony.
Wills, a former British Young Rider team gold medallist and senior British eventing team member, hails from Perthshire, Scotland. 2023 marked his second appearance at Burghley, following a commendable 13th place finish with Oughterard Cooley in 2022.
Burghley’s renowned 5*cross country track, characterised by its challenging and undulating terrain, demands meticulous preparation. Interviewed after completing the course with Oughterard Cooley, one of only 2 combinations to finish clear and inside the time on the XC, Wills attributed his success in part to invaluable fitness insights from Lucinda Russell, Grand National winning trainer, and fellow Overlander ambassador.
Wills Oakden & Arklow Puissance in the final showjumping phase. The combination completed the CCI5* in 8th position. Photo by Hannah Cole
Wills’ accomplishments at Burghley and Blair are a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication and we take immense pride in having Wills as a Brand Ambassador.
Over the past 3 years, Wills has been actively using our vehicles through a collaboration with our Scottish dealer, Stirling Trailer Centre. We look forward to seeing this partnership continue to flourish and grow from strength to strength.
To hear Wills speak about the sport of eventing and his thoughts on the Overlander R240, watch the video below.
