Meet Harlow Wiek: A Young Rider with Big Ambitions
Earlier in the year, we were happy to welcome young rider and jockey, Harlow Wiek, to the Hilton Herbs team!
At just a young age, Harlow has already packed an impressive amount into her riding journey. From competing at some of the UK’s biggest showjumping venues to racing Shetland ponies in front of thousands of spectators, life with Harlow and her ponies is certainly never quiet!
But behind the wins, championships and travelling is a young rider who is incredibly dedicated to her ponies and spends every day working hard to help them perform at their best.
From Riding at Three to Competing at Seven
Harlow first sat on a horse when she was just three years old, and it wasn't long before she discovered her love for jumping. By the age of four, she was already jumping and quickly developed a real passion for showjumping.
At just seven years old, Harlow began competing affiliated and qualified for the National Championships in her very first year, an incredible achievement at such a young age.
Today, age ten, Harlow competes with her showjumping ponies all over the country, regularly travelling for competitions, training, lessons and arena hires.
One of her biggest ambitions is to compete at some of the sport's most iconic venues, including Hickstead, Horse of the Year Show and London International Horse Show.
And she’s already getting closer to those goals! This year, Harlow and My Blue Eyed Boy enjoyed an incredible season, winning both the Springboard Final and the 11 & Under Final at the British Showjumping National Championships. They also won the Pony Club Mini Major qualifier, securing their place at London International Horse Show in December.
They even qualified for the main ring at Hickstead with Hillview’s Princess Anne – an achievement Harlow was incredibly proud of!
Finding a Love for Shetland Pony Grand National
Alongside showjumping, Harlow has another very different passion: Shetland Pony Grand National racing.
Harlow started racing with the Shetland Pony Grand National in April 2024, initially riding her much-loved Shetland, Buttercup.
Buttercup is described as the kindest and sweetest pony you could meet. She is well known around the racing circuit for her calm and friendly personality, although she does have a habit of trying to eat anything put in front of her, including her grooming brushes!
Harlow has some very special memories with Buttercup, including her first win at the Prague Global Champions Tour at the O2 Arena in Prague, racing in front of around 15,000 spectators.
It’s an experience that remains one of Harlow’s favourite racing memories. Another highlight was travelling to Hong Kong, which Harlow describes as an amazing experience.
Enter Duble the Pocket Rocket
This season, Harlow was offered the ride on Merkisayre Sea Duble, well known and experienced Shetland. Despite his small size, Duble certainly doesn't lack speed!
Harlow and Duble have already enjoyed an incredible run of success together, with wins at Royal Windsor, Burghley, Blenheim, South of England Show, FarmFest and Mid Somerset Show, among others.
For Harlow, one of the best parts of racing is the combination of speed, travelling to new venues and the atmosphere of the events, particularly completing a lap of honour and waving to the crowds.
But it's not all about the competition, Harlow also loves the friendships she has made through racing and the opportunity to travel both around the country and abroad with her ponies.
Looking to the Future
Like any ambitious young rider, Harlow already has plenty of goals for the future!
Harlow has two new ponies who have recently joined the team, Lily and Elliott, and another Shetland ride for next year that is yet to be revealed!
There are also plenty of exciting plans on the horizon, with Harlow hoping to compete at Hickstead and Horse of the Year Show next year.
Before then, there are still plenty of adventures ahead. Harlow and Duble have a flat race at Plumpton coming up, with their fingers crossed for selection for London International Horse Show.
And, of course, we're excited to follow the team every step of the way!
