When British horse vaulting legend Joanne Eccles said “I do,” she meant it—and she wasn’t about to leave her four-legged best friend out of the celebration! What started as a simple plan for post-wedding photos with her championship horse, WH Bentley, turned into an unforgettable display of acrobatic artistry that left guests absolutely speechless.
A Champion’s Love for Her Horse
At just 28 years old, Joanne has already achieved what most equestrians only dream of. With an impressive collection of 11 senior championship medals—including three prestigious gold medals from World Championships—this British vaulting star has dedicated her life to the sport since she was just 8 years old. Earlier this year, her remarkable contributions to equestrianism earned her the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award from the Queen.
But here’s the thing: Joanne didn’t earn those medals alone. Every single championship victory was achieved alongside WH Bentley, her trusted equine partner. That bond? It’s the kind of connection that doesn’t fade away—even on your wedding day.
A Wedding Like No Other
On her big day at Caputh Parish Church in Perthshire, England, Joanne married her husband, Fraser Littlejohn, in a stunning, elegant wedding dress. But this wasn’t going to be your typical wedding day photo session.
The couple had originally planned to include some photos with WH Bentley after the ceremony—a sweet nod to Joanne’s equestrian passion. However, when the moment arrived, they couldn’t resist taking it to the next level. In a move that would make any horse lover’s heart skip a beat, Joanne hopped right onto WH Bentley and began performing acrobatic vaulting poses in her full wedding attire.
And yes, she kept everything on—dress, shoes, and all. The stunning photos that followed showcase incredible acrobatic tricks that would rival any professional vaulting competition, except this time, there’s a beaming groom in a tuxedo right there with her.
Still Got the Skills
While Joanne has stepped back from competitive vaulting and now focuses on training the next generation of vaulters, these breathtaking photos prove one thing: champion-level talent never truly goes away. The grace, strength, and precision she displays atop WH Bentley—even in a wedding dress—are absolutely mesmerizing.
This isn’t just a cute wedding moment; it’s a celebration of a partnership built on trust, dedication, and pure equestrian excellence. WH Bentley wasn’t just a guest at this wedding—he was an integral part of one of the most unique and memorable wedding photo shoots we’ve ever seen.
For any horse lover out there, this is wedding inspiration at its finest. Talk about a bride who truly knows how to make an entrance—and an exit!