Posted on Sep 4, 2019 in Articles

Two rides for Michael Owen at Burghley this year – We caught up with him to find out more!

Michael Owen

GBR

British rider Michael Owen (40), is a professional rider and freelance instructor who is based at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre in Cheshire.

I have been based at kelsall kill equestrian centre for 7 years where I have a barn of 10 stables. I mix Eventing with training people. I event up to 8 horses from Be100 to CCI5*. My ultimate goal is the win a 5*.

He last competed at Land Rover Burghley in 2018 gaining 15^th place with ‘Bradeley Law’ – the pair then completed Badminton this year. It will however be first event at the level for his 2019 ride, ‘Jims Pal’ who Michael has on the Burghley entry list along with Bradeley Law.

I got into horses because of my Mum who worked in racing. I started riding when I was 8years old at a riding school, and then got my first pony at 11 and joined Burton Cheshire Forest PC. Several ponies later, I rode at the pony club championships and FEI pony trials for a season. I then moved onto horses at the age of 16.

Michael came to prominence aged 21 when he made his 4* (now known as 5*) debut at Burghley (2000) with ‘Perks of the Job’ who he acquired when he was 17 and brought through the levels from a five-year-old. With Perks of the Job, he made his Badminton debut aged 23 in 2002.

My first horse was Perks of the Job who was a 4yo. He took me to Burghley twice, and Badminton twice.

He then acquired the six-year-old King Bob who he rode to four-star level and sold. King Bob was then ridden by Swedish rider Ludwig Svennerstal – the pair completed Luhmühlen, Pau and Burghley. Michael is however perhaps best known for his long partnership with ‘The Highland Prince’ who he competed for 12 seasons and retired in 2017.

The pair completed Badminton and Burghley and in 2016 won the CCI3* at Ballindenisk. In February 2010 Michael made his racing debut a winning one, when winning an Amateur riders handicap at Wolverhampton with Albero Di Giuda. Michael enjoys playing golf. Michael trains with Ruth Edge.

Bradeley Law, owned by Jane Jennings is a 14-year-old SHB(GB) registered British-bred gelding. Bred by his owner he is by the former advanced eventing stallion Mill Law out of Scarlet Lady who is of unverified breeding. He was produced by Mary Lofthouse to intermediate and Michael gained the ride in 2013. The following year the pair was 7^th in the three-star at Blair Castle. Having unseated his rider at Badminton in 2016 Bradeley Law jumped three of the fences in the wrong direction on his way back to the stables. He completed the event in 2018 and 2019.

I have two horses competing here this year: Bradeley Law Stable name Crocky 15yo Bay gelding 16.2hh Owned by the Jennings Syndicate Weakness is his dressage, can get very tense and excitable especially when there is big crowds watching. Exceptional jumper who is very fast.

Jims Pal owned by Ashleigh Dean is a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. His breeding is not recorded. Michael has produced the grey gelding since a seven-year-old. Last year they completed Bramham and this year was 5^th at Tattersalls 4*.

Jim’s Pal Stable name Jim 15.2hh Grey gelding is owned by my girlfriend Ashleigh Dean. It is the Horses first 5*L he is pretty consistent in all phases.We Nicknamed him the pocket rocket. This week is a fact finding mission as to whether he will be a 5* horse of the future. He is very laid back and easy to do. He is like a pet. My girlfriend has owned him since a 4yo.

Results

2019 – Alnwick CCI4* S 20^th Jims Pal

2019 – Tattersalls CCI4* L 5^th Jims Pal

2019 – Chatsworth CCI4* S 16^th Jims Pal

2019 – Badminton CCI5* L 32^nd Bradeley Law

2018 – Burghley CCI4* 15^th Bradelely Law

2018 – Blair Castle CCi3* 11^th Jims Pal

2018 – Burgham CIC3* 65^th Bradeley Law

2018 – Bramham CCI3* 47^th Jims Pal

2018 – Badminton CCI4* 35^th Bradeley Law

2016 – Ballindenisk CCI3* 1^st The Highland Prince

2016 – Badminton El Bradeley Law

2015 – Badminton Ret The Highland Prince

2014 – Burghley Ret The Highland Prince

2014 – Badminton Ret The Highland Prince

2013 – Burghley CCI4* 19^th Highland Prince

2012 – Burghley CCI4* 18th The Highland Prince

2011 – Burghley CCI4*51st The Highland Prince

2011 – Badminton 29th The Highland Prince

2008 – Badminton W/D before showjumping King Bob

2002 – Badminton 21^st Perks of the Job

What does it mean to be competing at Burghley? or to be returning to Burghley?

This is my 19th 5* and half of them have been at Burghley. I am pretty comfortable being here but the nerves don’t get any easier. It’s a privilege to be competing here. It’s my favourite event.

Have you had a glance at the cross country yet?