2 Minute Read
28th August 2026
Willa Newton has taken a commanding lead in the CCI4*-L, riding Camilla Behrens’ 14-year-old Hartacker. Third in the CCI3*-L in 2025, the pair returned to Perthshire to record the only sub-30 mark in the class of 27.6. Molly Duda, who represented the USA at the FEI Under-25 World Championships in Millstreet last month, lies in second on 31.5 aboard Jutopia.
Leicestershire-based Willa has been riding Hartacker since the start of last season, with the horse being produced up to four-star by Izzy Taylor.
“He has always been pretty good at dressage but I was just pleased everything came off how I wanted it to,” said Willa, who is trained in this phase by Bettina Hoy. “I really enjoyed every minute. I am so grateful to Camilla for letting me ride him and I feel like I’m starting to know him better.”
Hartacker’s highlight was his flying changes.
“He was so soft and relaxed,” Willa said. “He’s an old-timer now but he can sometimes anticipate things, whereas today he was really rideable.
“There’s a lot of atmosphere, which actually helped me a bit. He was calm outside and I wondered if I’d overdone it, but he went in and felt lovely. He’s such a nice character – he has his quirks and you have to be quiet around him but he’s the kindest person and very happy to be here.”
Willa added that she is “looking forward” to the cross-country test, designed by event director Alec Lochore. “It’s a really good course, with lots to do.”
