Wilson sisters draw in the crowds at Equidays
The Wilson sisters drew in the crowds at Equidays after the recent success of their TV show and book releases.
Equidays annual event has ended with a record breaking year as the Wilson sisters drew in the crowds with their new found fame.
Vicki, Amanda and Kelly Wilson were first time ambassadors for Equidays this year which had a total of 21,671 people attend the three day event.
This was up 24 per cent on last year’s total of 17,411 people.
The Wilson sisters have been riding a wave of success with their recent TV show Keeping up with the Kaimanawas, and throughout the event whispers could be heard of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the trio.
Waikato student Tonya Boggiss attended for the first time this year and said she had been looking forward to seeing Vicki, Amanda and Kelly as she is a huge fan.
“I enjoyed at Equidays watching the Wilson sisters with their riding. Vicky did a starting clinic with a young horse that she was breaking in and she also rode in the derby competition which she actually won on the day. So I enjoyed getting to watch that,” Tonya said.
Vicki rode her horse Showtym Girl to victory and was awarded $10,000 after placing first in the Hyundai Derby.
The Wilson sisters say that caring for their horses will always take priority over stardom.
“Nothing is confirmed yet but we are hoping to be offshore next year, continuing our work with the American Mustangs. If so we won’t be in New Zealand to film a second series but will still re-home Kaimanawa’s from the muster to train when we return to NZ,” Kelly said.
“We are first and foremost horse trainers, not television stars, so our plans to improve horse welfare will always come first.”
Horses book written by Kelly Wilson. Photo: Shontelle Cargill
The sisters have also released two books called For the Love of Horses and a new release Stallion Challenges which were both written by Kelly Wilson. The trio each signed copies of the books throughout the event.
Although they are kept busy at home with their horses – Vicki has 30 in work, Amanda has 12 and Kelly has 3 – there is also another book on the horizon.
“Our work on the American Mustangs in 2015 was filmed for a documentary called The Mustang Ride and will also feature in a book of the same name. I am currently writing the book, which will be available in October next year and I think it’s going to be the best one yet,” Kelly said.
