Brampton Willows Create New Waves

©Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials/Brampton Willows

By Media Release

Robert Yates’ firm, Brampton Willows, based near Beccles, have been commissioned to make three more of their willow ‘Waves’ as Cross-country obstacles for this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. The ‘Waves’ will be the show-piece obstacles at the world famous Lake for this year’s Cross-country event.

Brampton Willows designed and made the original ones back in 2006 but after nine years of pounding by the horses, the Event director, Hugh Thomas, thought it was time to replace them with new ones. The ‘Waves’ are designed as mobile obstacles which can be moved around and used for many years. The willow has been woven around an integral steel armature for structural strength as the obstacles have to be able to withstand the impact of half a ton of horse landing on them.

“Needless to say, we are delighted to have been asked to make them again” said Robert.

“The most interesting thing is to see how much the waves move on impact, only to spring back immediately afterwards. Although very solid, they do have quite a bit of ‘give’ in them which has got to be a good thing for both horses and riders!”, he continued.

Brampton Willows have been in business for about 25 years and specialise in designing and making bespoke willow products ranging from fencing, to arbours, summerhouses and Follies. Last year, Robert was commissioned to make a 3m sculpture of ‘King Kong’ for a client in The Seychelles.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials