Emily Excels at Blenheim International Horse Trials

On Friday 19 September, Sixth Form student Emily Walsh had the honour of being selected to ride in the Eventer Challenge at the Blenheim International Horse Trials as part of The Ludlow Hunt Pony Club team.

The Blenheim International Horse Trials is a prestigious, four-day equestrian event held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, bringing together top-level dressage, cross-country and showjumping competition, along with trade stands, food stalls and family entertainment.

The Eventer Challenge, sometimes called a ‘derby-style’ test, is specially designed for Pony Clubs and Riding Clubs. It combines a showjumping section, typically 8–10 fences, with a sequence of 6–8 cross-country style (fixed) obstacles, finishing over a ‘joker’ fence. Water elements may also be included where the course allows.

For the 100 cm class, the level at which Emily competed, the showjumps may reach heights of up to 1.05 m with spreads to about 1.55 m; the cross-country fences can be up to 1.05 m high with spreads to about 1.80 m. The course is timed, and penalties are incurred for knockdowns, refusals, or exceeding the optimum time.

Emily rode her home-bred and produced Arab mare, Rosemary, to an outstanding result. Out of more than 160 riders from across the country, they placed second individually, missing first place by just 0.2 seconds. Their round was especially impressive because they were one of only four riders to go clear within the time.

The Ludlow Hunt Pony Club team also performed admirably, finishing 5th out of 44 teams in a very competitive field.

Emily’s achievement is a testament not only to her talent and dedication but also to the careful training and partnership she and Rosemary have developed together over time.