The name Billy Raymont needs little introduction. His list of achievements speaks for itself – multiple World Championship appearances, a World Cup series title, and a reputation as one of the country’s most respected riders. But behind the headlines is a story of determination, family, and a love for the sport that began in the paddocks of rural Queensland.

Billy’s riding career started with a pony that wasn’t even his, a cheeky escapee from his uncle’s place that would turn up at the Raymont property. “I used to grab hold of him and get on,” Billy recalled. “I had a bridle made from gun straps and rode him all over the farm, bareback. I didn’t know any different.”

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When his father eventually revealed an old saddle hidden in the shed, Billy wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or annoyed he hadn’t seen it sooner. From there, he was off to pony club – although his new mount wasn’t exactly cooperative. “For a whole year, I couldn’t get him past the second jump without being thrown off. My brothers tried to talk me into wearing spurs. Eventually I did, and at the last gymkhana of the year, he jumped clear and I won. That was my first real lesson in perseverance.”

The Raymont family all rode at some point, but Billy was the one pushing towards competition. Pony club led to the local agricultural show circuit, helped along by a chance connection with New Zealander John Robinson, who gave Billy and his brother rides on his horses. Robinson also encouraged Billy’s father to move him off ponies and onto horses – leading to a steady stream of off-the-track Thoroughbreds from race trainers Peter and Julie Evans.

By the age of 14, Billy was riding six horses at shows every week. “We were doing the miles,” he said. “Every one of them started from nothing. It taught me that if you wanted to be competitive, you had to train, there was no other way.”

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Mentorship played a huge role in his development. As a teenager, Billy spent valuable time training with Guy Creighton, who he says was “fundamental” in shaping his career. Through Creighton and interstate competition, he gained access to some of Australia’s best riders – Gavin Chester, George Sanna, Vicki Roycroft – soaking up as much as he could.

From the outset, Billy never seriously considered another career, although he worked in family businesses and with a carpenter uncle. “Maybe I should have done an apprenticeship just in case, but the truth is, I wanted to make the horses work. The thought of concreting or laying bricks for the rest of my life was all the motivation I needed.”

These days, Billy’s definition of success has shifted. “When you’re young, you think it’s your right to win. Now I know what it really takes, not just from me, but from my wife, our team, owners, and sponsors. There’s a lot of people behind every round.”

Becoming a father has also brought a new perspective. “I want to make her proud. I want her to look at me one day and be proud of what I’ve done. Adding an Olympics to my career is now a real goal.”

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Although Europe offers the highest level of competition, Australia will always be home. “Family is huge for us,” Billy said. “And I honestly don’t think there’s a better place to live. But we love Europe and are working hard to put together another trip with a strong team of horses.”

Billy’s international career highlights include competing at the World Cup Final, the World Championships, the Hermes Five-Star in Paris, and a memorable debut five-star in Hong Kong. “That first experience at that level just blew me away,” he said.

For now, the focus remains clear: developing horses, chasing big goals, and keeping that perseverance from his very first pony club year alive.

Hear more from Billy on Episode 8 of the All Clear Podcast at:

You Tube: http://bit.ly/4fAf8Q6

Spotify: http://bit.ly/45IdKHE