Great Britain: SUCCESS at Haywood Oaks

Endurancegb.co.uk

08 April 2015)

Tricia Hirst won the FEI 3* 160km endurance race at Haywood Oaks, Nottinghamshire last weekend. Tricia was riding her 12 yr old part bred Arab mare Vlacq Bronze Image.

The race started at 6am in the dark and Tricia crossed the finish line after a gruelling long day at 8.30pm beating the second placed combination Katie Bedwin by 15 minutes. Katie, taking time off from her studying, was riding her own Elayla. Both horses and Katie were contesting their first 160km. Both horses completed at Championship qualifying speed.

Imy joined Tricia Hirst's endurance team after her vet daughter Georgina found her on a dealers yard in Leciestershire and recognised that she was a full sister to Tricia's International horse Vlacq Diamond Sparkle. Imy was still unbroken as a 9yr old so Georgina bought her for £450!

Tricia had success with Imy last year coming 2nd in the two day 160km race at the Red Dragon ride, Builth Wells. However, after that Imy underwent major surgery at the end of October as she had a very large cyst growing in her sinus. She recovered exceptionally well and restarted her training in December in preparation for the race at the weekend.

Since the ride she has been enjoying the sunshine, what a star!