Rider Biographies

Nicola Wilson

Country: Great Britain

Age: 34

Nicola was just 13 when she got her first horse, Mr Bumble, a very green four-year-old with whom she went from Pony Club to being part of the British squad for the 1997  Young Rider European Championships in Pratoni and being placed 10th at their first CCI**** at Burghley in 1998.

Nicola is best known for her partnership with the enigmatic jumping machine Opposition Buzz.

In 2009 the combination won the Scottish Championships and made their senior debuts for the British team at the European Eventing Championships in Fontainbleau where, as pathfinders, they laid the foundations for a team gold medal, as well as achieving an individual 9th place.

In 2010, Nicola and Opposition Buzz won the Barbury CIC***, retained the Scottish Championships and were part of the gold medal winning team at the World Equestrian Games.

Nicola’s Burghley ride, Bee Diplomatic, is a half-brother to Opposition Buzz and is also owned by Rosemary Search.

Nicola is based in Northallerton, Yorkshire, has a degree in sports studies and business management and she is married to Alistair.

Notable achievements

• 2010 – Badminton CCI**** 7th Opposition Buzz
• 2010 – Kentucky WEG team gold Opposition Buzz
• 2010 – Barbury CIC*** 1st Opposition Buzz
• 2010 – Badminton CCI**** 8th Opposition Buzz
• 2009 - Fontainebleau European Ch’ship team gold Opposition Buzz
• 2009 - Blair Castle CIC*** 1st Opposition Buzz
• 2009 - Bramham CCI*** 2nd Master Banks
• 2009 - Kentucky CCI**** 11th Opposition Buzz
• 2008 - Burghley CCI**** 5th Opposition Buzz
• 2008 - Badminton CCI**** 7th Opposition Buzz
• 2007 - Burghley CCI**** 15th Opposition Buzz
• 2007 - Bramham CCI*** 3rd Skiver
• 2006 - Chatsworth CIC*** 5th Opposition Buzz
• 2005 - Luhmuhlen CCI**** 9th Skiver
• 2004 - Badminton CCI**** 20th Skiver
• 2003 - Badminton CCI**** 27th Skiver