After hearing of fans' delighted response to the first leg of the Champions Tour with Oliver Townend and Geoff Billington, H&C were eager to catch up with Oliver to see how the tour was going, what we could expect in the second leg and to take the opportunity to fire some H&C’s fans' questions at him.

Our call to Oliver was made at 5pm and after a long day with the horses, it was no surprise that we caught Oliver catching up on a bit of sleep.

H&C: So Oliver, how did the first half of the Champions tour go?

OT: Very good; it was very enjoyable. Geoff was slightly out of control but it was good fun.

H&C: Did you get the kind of numbers and the crowds you were hoping for at all the venues?

OT: Yeah, the first half is always quieter than the second half, but we have as many if not more people at the same venues as we did last year. 

H&C:Have there been any unexpected moments on the tour so far?

OT: [There's] always lots of unexpected moments when Geoff is involved!

H&C: It has been rumoured that you have been wearing a tutu in a section of the show, are we going to be to see you in pink in the second half?

OT: I’m not planning on doing so, but I am pretty sure it will happen.

H&C: And how has it worked out with the added acts of Jive Pony and David Clough?

OT: It’s been very good; we just tried to make more of a show, so that everyone can enjoy it including the not-so-horsey people.

H&C: For anyone who is thinking of going to the second half of the tour, what can they look forward to seeing?

OT: Just a real fun night the whole family can enjoy, there is something for everyone and it’s a really good laugh.  Think of it as a rock concert on horses.

H&C: Now it’s time for some questions from our H&C Facebook fans. Jemma Rumsby asked, what would be your dream horse to compete?

OT: Er, Lead the Way ridden by Clea Phillipps.

H&C: Melinda Morgan asked, what is your new 'Cruising' horse like?

OT: Which one? If it’s Ashdale Cruise, a very good horse that will go to Badminton this spring. I have high hopes for him.

H&C: Mandy Bennie asked, what’s your favourite breed?

OT: Irish. There is no better.

H&C: Bethany Evens asked, what is the best thing that’s ever happened to you in your life?

OT: Signing for my farm, it was my proudest moment.

H&C: Heather Ridgley asked, which is your favourite horse that you're riding at the moment?

OT: I’ve got lots of favourites, Ashdale Cruise is special but as I say many are my favourites.

H&C: Chloe Rayner and Natalie King asked, how should a young rider get started?

OT: Through doing time in lots of different yards.  Experience is everything and work hard.

H&C: Sarah Ainge asked, is there anything you would tell your childhood self with the benefit of hindsight?

OT: I don’t think so.

H&C: Rachel White asked, how would you regain a horse’s confidence?

OT: Go back to basics. Take your time and work on what the horse is good at.

H&C: Laura Kingsley asked, is Oliver in it for the money or the joy of horse riding?

OT: There is not money really in riding horses, we all start out in this career because we love riding horses.

After a thorough grilling, we let Oliver go back to his nap but keep an eye on the H&C website - we'll be catching up with Oliver again soon!