Australian Endurance rider earns a ‘buckle’

MidlandExpress.com.au - Full Article

By Bill West
29/10/2024

Lauriston resident Russell Robinson is thrilled to have achieved his burning ambition of earning a much sought-after silver buckle in the 2024 Quilty Cup (Australian championships) over 160 kilometres.

The 71-year-old horse enthusiast describes endurance riding as “very addictive”.

“I’ve always loved horses … they get you through life … I was never much good at sport when I was young,” he said.

“I’ve only been doing it (endurance riding) for around 25 years, largely competing all over Victoria.”

Russell said the Tom Quilty Cup was the pinnacle of endurance racing in Australia, conducted by the Australian Endurance Riders Association Inc...

Read more here:
https://midlandexpress.com.au/sports/2024/10/29/russell-robinson-achieves-silver-buckle-in-the-2024-quilty-cup/

An ‘indomitable will’ and great love for his sport: farewell to top Irish horse aged 29

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Eleanor Jones 26
October, 2024

The owner of the top endurance horse J St Jake has paid tribute to his “indomitable will” and love of his sport after his death aged 29.

In 18 consecutive seasons, Jake and Helen McFarland represented Ireland over some of the toughest rides there and in Britain. They completed 19 160km/100-mile rides, Jake’s last at the age of 24. Among their most notable achievements were winning the Scottish and northern championships and a premier award at the Golden Horseshoe Ride.

Helen told H&H she bought 14.2hh Jake, who was by an Arab stallion and out of a traditional Connemara mare, when he was seven...

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https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/farewell-to-top-horse-j-st-jake-aged-29-876035

‘He’s a bit famous’ – rescue pony steps in to help young rider take Great Britain national title

West End Photography

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Eleanor Jones
6 October, 2024 19:21

A rescued pony stepped in at the last minute to help a young rider to a dream win in the national para endurance championship.

Alfie-Jay Errington won the 23km Endurance GB Emerald Championship with Redwings Milky Way, a 20-year-old Welsh pony who has been taking part in endurance rides for over a decade with his rehomers Niamh and Sarah Richardson.

“Niamh Richardson, 16, and her mum Sarah were attending the Lion’s Tail Endurance Ride in Leicestershire on 24 September when they heard that Alfie-Jay was sadly unable to take part in Endurance GB’s para endurance national championships because his pony was lame,” a spokesperson for Redwings said.

“Not wanting Alfie to miss his shot at the championship, Niamh offered Alfie the ride on Redwings Milky Way...”

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/rescue-pony-steps-in-help-young-rider-national-title-873900