Lisa Williams
The United Derby team caught up with Lisa Williams and asked her a few questions on Derby, her beautiful horse Campbell and her history.
Q1: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Cape Town and have always had a passion for horses, training horses and competing. I moved to Gauteng approximately 16 years ago to be able to compete as competently and successfully as possible. I won the SA leg of the FEI World Cup Series on Campbell in 2015, 2016 and 2017, which qualified me for the World Equestrian Games, Tryon in 2018 and the FEI World Cup Final, Gothenburg in 2019. At the end of 2017 Campbell and I embarked on an 18 month journey to Europe and USA, after which we came back to RSA (which included 6 months of quarantine).
Q2: 2021, we are so excited to be back with Derby this year! Who will you be competing on?
I’ll be on Campbell for this year’s event.
Q3: What do you think makes Derby such a magical event?
No competition matches the Derby in excitement and anticipation. It is a test of physical, mental and emotional stamina for both horse and rider. It attracts spectators like no other event does and their energy and participation is amazing.
The achievement of completing The Derby course is so satisfying and elating.
Q4: Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which would you most like to jump the Derby track on and why?
Campbell. He was 2nd last time he jumped The Derby, after a fast jump off. He is brave, kind, scopey and I trust him.
Q5: Describe the first time you jumped Derby, how did it feel to ride into the arena that day?
The excitement and the buzz was electrifying. I had to focus and calm my mind to complete the job at hand.
If this is the answer, what’s the question?
So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say “My least favourite time of day!”
- Midnight: Zzzzzzz…
- The Bank: Eyes up, don’t stop on the top
- Something I would never try/ do! Skydiving
- The Dyke: Sit up, whoa!!!
- That is my dream! The Olympics