International eventer, Holly Woodhead, ambassador for #WillDoes

Holly Woodhead #Willdoes Ambassador wearing her #Willdoes skins

International eventer, Holly Woodhead, 25, is to become an ambassador of #WillDoes, a new organisation that raises money to help help young people achieve s wellbeing following the death earlier this year of 14-year-old Dorset rider William Paddy.

Based in Kemble at Sunhill Stud, Holly Woodhead, has represented Team GBR at the Senior European Championship, was long listed for the 2016 Rio Olympics and has achieved 3rd in the CIC*** at Chatsworth, 4th the CIC*** at Burnham Market and 8th place in the CCI***u25 at Bramham.

“As soon as I heard about #WillDoes, I wanted to help. Mental health and wellbeing is close to my heart,” says Holly, who admits she has struggled at times, despite huge success representing Team GB at Junior and young rider level, as well as on numerous Nation Cup Teams.

“Life isn’t always easy. When you're young, there are so many pressures and sometimes it's hard to see the number of people around you who are there to support you. Over the years, I've found that your biggest enemy is yourself, and the most important thing is to reach out and ask for help, but as I know, and many other’s know, it's often the hardest thing to do...”

Holly is helping to raise money for #WillDoes by donating her time to run a two-day XC clinic (November 9-10 2019) at Bovington's RAC Saddle Club in Dorset - all proceeds go to the startup which is in the process of securing charitable status. On the evening of the 9th, Holly will be giving an informal Q&A at local pub the Black Bear in Wareham, with prizes from her sponsors, and at events you will see her riding cross country in her new Willdoes2004 branded skins, made and donated by Equine Storage Solutions Ltd.

Bovington's equestrian centre, the RAC Saddle Club, a British Eventing venue, is managed by Steph Buchanan, auntie to Will, a sporty, charismatic child who loved horse riding and like many kids, sometimes struggled with everyday life. Liveries are among those who have been supporting Steph and her sister, Les, Will's mum, to raise over £15,000, with a board of Trustees and committee members set to allocate funds and support charitable projects that help young people to develop coping mechanisms to manage anxiety and emotions and improve trusting relationships.

Says Steph: “My sister and I have been amazed at the support we've had from friends and long standing liveries such as Daisy Chalier who have spread the word on the circuit. We are touched that someone of Holly's calibre has approached us and is willing to donate her time for free.”