Lily Attwood: Rising British Show Jumper with Big Ambitions

Who is Lily Attwood?

Lily Attwood is a rising British show jumper who stands out for her impressive performances in the international equestrian world. Growing up in a horse-loving family, she began her career with a pony from a show jumping bloodline and demonstrated exceptional talent from an early age.

At just 14 years old, she competed at the European Championships and continued her development in France under the renowned show jumper Guy Williams. The pressure in equestrian sport is immense, and learning how to handle it was something Lily had to develop over time. At a competition in Barcelona, she met Stanny Van Paesschen, who helped her cope better with pressure and improve her riding. The British rider shares more about this in the following video:

Lily Attwood has quickly made a name for herself in the world of show jumping. As one of Great Britain’s most talented young riders, she impresses on both the national and international stage. Her discipline, love for horses, and tireless ambition make her a standout figure in the equestrian scene. However, Lily’s journey has been shaped by challenges that she has overcome with patience and trust.

Lily Attwood’s Career

Lily Attwood grew up in a horse-loving family. Although her family had no direct connection to show jumping—her grandmother owned racehorses and a few eventing ponies—Lily showed remarkable talent from the very beginning. Her entry into the world of show jumping came when she received her first pony from a show jumping bloodline.

At the age of 14, she competed at the European Championships, marking the beginning of an impressive career. Her talent eventually took her to France, where she trained with the renowned show jumper Guy Williams. Beyond the technical aspects of riding, Williams taught Lily valuable lessons about horse management as well as working with veterinarians and farriers.

The Move to Belgium

After three years in France, Lily returned to England but soon made a bold decision: to move to Belgium. The logistical challenges following Brexit, along with her ambition to take her career to the next level, were key factors in this choice. The new environment in Belgium offers Lily the opportunity to better care for her horses and meet the demands of top-level sport.

In Belgium, she now trains with show jumping legend Stanny Van Paesschen, who supports her not only as a trainer but also as an advisor in her professional development. Lily already felt during their first intensive training session in Oliva, Spain, that this was the right step. The fine adjustments Stanny introduced significantly improved her performance in the course.

Training with Stanny Van Paesschen

Under the guidance of Stanny Van Paesschen, Lily receives invaluable support. Known for his respected status and relaxed approach, Stanny adapts his training methods to Lily’s individual needs. Lily appreciates the simple yet effective adjustments that refine her riding style and give her a decisive advantage in competition.

What defines Stanny Van Paesschen and how he coaches Lily is something he explains in the following video:

The first intensive training sessions in Oliva showed Lily that she was on the right path. Rather than making fundamental changes, Stanny focused on small details that made a big difference. This targeted refinement elevated Lily’s riding to a new level.

Challenges and Mental Strength

Despite numerous successes, Lily has also faced difficult moments. Her debut at the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, in particular, proved to be a major challenge. The honor of competing in her first senior championship brought significant pressure, which negatively affected her performance. However, this experience taught her the importance of trusting herself and not being guided by doubt.

With Stanny’s support, Lily was able to rebuild confidence in her abilities and strengthen her mental resilience. These lessons helped her remain calm and focused even in challenging situations.

Family Tradition and the Legacy of Waterson Stud

Waterson Stud, the Attwood family’s farm, plays a significant role in Lily’s riding career. The farm has been in the family for 100 years and was originally focused on breeding racehorses. In the 1990s, Lily’s grandmother achieved great success with her breeding program, leaving behind a rich legacy of expertise and dedication to horse breeding.

Learn more about the history of Waterson Stud and the role the stud plays in the Attwood family today. In the following video, Lily Attwood’s mother talks about the breeding of the horses and how it connects to the historic bloodlines of Lily’s grandmother’s broodmares:

After her grandmother’s passing in 2019, Lily’s mother, Emmy, took over the management of the farm and specialized in breeding show jumping horses. Emmy preserved a special box filled with records of the broodmares and their foals from past generations. These traditions and the strong family bond have had a lasting influence on Lily’s career, as she sees her family roots and the farm as the foundation of her work in equestrian sport.

The Partnership with the Horses

The relationship with her horses is central to Lily. In particular, her partnership with her mare Ginger developed over the years. At first, there were difficulties and doubts about Ginger’s suitability, but patience and trust led to a close and successful partnership. A serious fall in which Lily broke her collarbone changed her approach. She focused on rebuilding trust with Ginger, which ultimately proved to be extremely valuable.

Lily Attwood’s Achievements

A standout moment in Lily’s career was her first major victory at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2022 with Horton. This win was especially emotional, as it marked Horton’s first triumph since 2019 and Lily’s very first HOYS title. Such successes are the result of years of hard work and dedication—both from Lily and her family.

The young horses bred by Lily’s mother, Emmy, at Waterson Stud play an important role in Lily’s future plans. The best of them are intended to be ridden by Lily in competition one day, further strengthening the close connection between her family, the horses, and her career.

Future Ambitions

Lily Attwood has clear goals for the upcoming season, including competing at the European Championships and making more appearances in five-star Nations Cups. She dreams of representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games and World Championships, continuing her rise to the top of international show jumping.

Lily is aware that the path to the top is demanding, but her determination and commitment drive her to keep improving. Even though there are more difficult days than good ones in sport, successful moments are all the more rewarding when achieved through one’s own effort.

Conclusion

Lily Attwood is undoubtedly one of the most promising riders of her generation. Her journey has been shaped by hard work, challenges, and an unwavering belief in her abilities. With her passion for the sport, her dedication to her horses, and her constant pursuit of excellence, she will continue her path to the top of international show jumping. Thanks to her family roots, her talented horses, and her immense discipline, she has a bright future ahead—and the equestrian world can look forward to what Lily Attwood will achieve next.

Lily Attwood: Key Questions and Answers

Who is Lily Attwood?

‍Lily Attwood is a British show jumper who competes successfully at international events and is considered one of the most promising talents in the sport.

What achievements has Lily Attwood reached?

‍She has already achieved numerous wins and placings at international competitions, including successes in CSI events and Nations Cups.

Which country does Lily Attwood represent?

Lily Attwood competes for Great Britain and is part of the British show jumping team.

Which horses is Lily Attwood known for?

‍She is known for several top show jumping horses with which she has competed at major international events.

What defines Lily Attwood as a rider?

‍She is regarded as ambitious, talented, and focused. Her close bond with her horses and her calm riding style contribute greatly to her success.