May 3 2026
A 20-year-old Anglo Arab proved that age is no barrier to performance,
as Balishla and Powys rider Fiona Griffiths took victory in the 80km CER
at the Shuckburgh Hall Endurance Ride.
Part of Endurance GB’s Silver Anniversary Ride Series, celebrating 25
years of the sport, the popular fixture attracted record entries and
delivered a competitive day of riding in warm, dry conditions.
In a strong class, Griffiths led from Jennifer Gaimster in second and
Scarlett Chapple in third, with riders needing to balance pace carefully
over firm, at times slick, ground.
For those less familiar with endurance, the 80km CER (Competitive
Endurance Ride) is a speed-based class run over multiple loops, with
horses required to pass veterinary inspections throughout the day.
Performance is judged not only on speed, but on the horse’s
fitness, recovery and soundness, placing welfare at the centre of
competition.
Griffiths, who has amassed more than 15,750km of competitive mileage
since starting endurance in 2002, was quick to emphasise that the win
was not the original goal.
“It was absolutely fantastic to win. We hadn’t set out to go for it – we
just wanted a completion. After a few tough rides recently, I really
needed a good day.”
Balishla – known as “Goofy” at home – has now accumulated close to
3,000km in competition since starting the sport in 2012. His longevity
is particularly notable given he was written off as a six-year-old with
navicular.
“We bought him as a four-year-old, and he’s now 20 and still having the
best time,” said Griffiths. “He tries his best all day and just loves
ride day – he’s a real showman.”
The lead-up to Shuckburgh was not without drama, with Griffiths facing a last-minute shoeing issue the evening before departure.
“At 7pm the night before, I heard that awful ‘clip clop’ of a lost shoe.
The farrier was on holiday, but thankfully ours came to the rescue
within the hour. It was a 4am start after that – but that’s endurance,
you just get on with it.”
On course, riders were required to adapt to testing underfoot conditions and rising temperatures.
“The ground was hard and quite tricky in places, so we took the first
loop steadily. As the day went on and it got hotter, I was just focused
on bringing him home well.”
The pair’s performance reflects a long-term, welfare-led approach to training and campaigning.
“Longevity is everything,” Griffiths explained. “It’s not about winning
today – it’s about still being out there and enjoying it years down the
line.”
That philosophy was evident throughout the ride, with Griffiths also
taking time to assist another competitor who had become lost on
course—highlighting the supportive nature of the endurance community.
“That’s what the sport is about – helping each other out.”
With Balishla now enjoying a short break, plans for the rest of the
season will be guided by how the veteran gelding feels following the
run.
“He’ll have a week or so off now and then we’ll see. I’ll let him decide.”
For Griffiths, the result is another milestone in a long and varied
endurance career—but one that continues to be driven by the partnership
with her horse.
“You don’t do this mileage without plenty of ups and downs. You learn something every ride and just keep trying to improve.”
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Julian Johansen and his Arab gelding CF Samuel won the two-day 80km class at the Golden Horseshoe Ride. (Julian Johansen)
