William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht. Photo by Tilly Berendt.William Fox-Pitt hinted that Amanda Goulds competitive CCI5* horse, Grafennacht (Birkhofs Grafenstolz Nachtigall, by Narew) would move to another rider on his retirement from competition at the top level of eventing at Badminton this spring. It wont be her last [Badminton], he remarked after finishing Badminton in 13th place with the 12-year-old Oldenburg. Shell be back she might jump better last year, with a new, better, younger rider it will be good. I dont even know, Im not even having that discussion with the owner yet. Shes very aware that Im 55 and who knows whats going to happen but well have a conversation and make a plan, but shes a lovely horse.Now, Harry Meade has taken the reins on Lillie, adding a confirmed 5* horse to his burgeoning program.Im thrilled to have been asked to ride Grafennacht by her long-term owner Amanda Gould, following William Fox-Pitts retirement from top level eventing, Harry wrote on social media. Im looking forward to getting to know Lillie, gleaning as much as I can about her from William and his team and taking time to develop a partnership.Ive ridden many of Williams horses over the years having been his second rider at the start of my career and then stepping in at various times when he was injured or away at different Olympic games. Whilst it sometimes feels alien adjusting to a new ride, our horses go in similar styles and in the past have transitioned back and forth very easily.Lillie is currently at stud; once she returns shell gradually come back into work and well start getting to know each other.Career highlights, to date, for Grafennacht include a second-place finish at the MARS Maryland 5 Star in 2023 and top-15 placings at Badminton in two attempts with William. She also competed with William at Le Lion de Angers as a 7-year-old, finishing fourth in the WBFSH FEI World Young Horse Championships. The sky surely remains the limit for Lillie and her new rider, and while we likely wont see them out together at the top levels for some time while they undertake a new partnership, it will be exciting to follow them on this new path.