Home   Sport   Article

Talent shines through junior rider from Aberdeenshire gains backing from famous equestrian brand


By David Porter

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

In the midst of another full national lockdown many different sports and activities have been halted up and down the country, missed by all those involved who eagerly await their return.

Junior show-jumper Millie Walker is one of those dedicated young athletes super keen for competition to resume.

Millie Walker
Millie Walker

At just 11 years old Millie’s training, commitment and hard work keep ing her beloved pony team healthy, happy and fit hasn’t stopped during the strange times of the pandemic.

And now a massive boost has come for this Inverurie based jockey and her family, fondly known as ‘Team Walker’.

Cheval Libertéhas offered their support in recognition of the success Millie has enjoyed to date in a generous bid to help inspire and encourage up and coming equestrian stars of the future.

The Cheval Liberté Group is said to be Europe’s leading manufacturer of quality equestrian products.

Alice Roberts is marketing executive for Cheval Liberté in the UK: “Cheval Liberté is a French founded business that has been manufacturing high-quality stabling and transport for over 25 years. "A brand developed by a horse breeding and riding family, every element of their product range is designed with horses’ comfort, safety, and characteristics in mind.

"As the sole importer of their products into the UK and Ireland for over 15 years, and as family run business, we at Cheval Liberté UK are extremely proud to support Millie and her inspirational enthusiasm for show jumping and horses in general.”

The uncertainty of whether major championships will still go ahead as planned in 2021 doesn ’t dampen Millie’s enthusiasm and her love of the animals prevails over all.

Her father, George Walker OBE, explains: “For children in sport to be provided with the opportunity of official sponsorship from companies like Cheval Liberté, the significance is immense.

"When children like Millie are working so hard to follow their dreams, the endorsement and encouragement from professionals is priceless.”

“I know from talking to fellow trainers and parents, the pandemic is having a massive impact on the physical and emotional wellbeing of many children and adults alike.

"This is where under 18 sport inparticular is more vital than ever.”

Affiliated to British Showjumping, Millie enjoyed a double win for Scotland last year when she was crowned overall national pony bronze league points champion with her 128cm pony Bleach Boy.

She took the national win out of an outstanding 1243 junior combinations and also managed to take the 138cm win in the Scottish league with her other pony Lucy Locket VI.

Other successes on the national circuit include a team gold medal at the 2019 English Home Pony International held in Cheshire.

She has been fortunate enough to compete all over the UK including Aintree International with 128cm pony Courtyard Buttons at the 2020 Horse of the Year Show alternative, the National Championships and the Royal Highland Show.

Millie Walker
Millie Walker

Millie rode Cosmic Chaos in the iconic main ring at the last Great Yorkshire Show where she was teamed with Scotland’s gold medalist showjumper James Smith for the Mini-Major, finishing as the top Scottish partnership and fifth overall.

Like many other Scottish school pupils, Millie and her big brother George are currently home-schooling with mum Jenny during this latest lockdown period.

Very much a team effort, young George helps to care for the ponies and plays a huge part in their welfare, especially when they ’re on the road competing.

Cheval Liberté supplies and installs hundreds of temporary stable blocks to house top class competition horses and ponies at most of the major shows and competitions.

Team Walker’s equines know them well, especially as they also travel in a luxurious Cheval Liberté Optimax transporter wherever they go.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More