Cleo Rides to National Success at Belsay Horse Trials

Year Nine pupil, Cleo Whitbread and her pony Night Fury recently competed at the prestigious Belsay International Horse Trials in Northumberland, taking part in the CCI2*L British Pony Championships. This is the highest level of eventing for ponies in the UK. Over five demanding days, Cleo and her pony competed against some of the country’s most experienced riders, including several European team competitors, and delivered an outstanding performance, finishing in 8th place overall.

Their competition began on a high note with a dressage test that earned them 5th place going into the next phase. On the challenging and technical cross-country course, Cleo and Fury were one of only nine pairs to complete the course clear and inside the optimum time, successfully retaining their 5th place position. The final day’s showjumping proved more testing, and while Fury unfortunately knocked down the last two fences, they secured a top-ten finish, coming in 8th.

This competition marked only their fifth event together and was Cleo’s first time competing at this elite level. To finish in the top ten at a national championship against the very best eventing ponies is a fantastic achievement.

Cleo has now been long listed for the European Pony Team. As one of 11 combinations they will compete at the final observation trial in July from which individuals will be chosen to attend the Pony European Championships in Le Mans, France.