For Amy Purkis, the journey to the LeMieux Grassroots Championships at Badminton Horse Trials has been nothing short of a dream come true. It’s been a long road of hard work, perseverance, and an unbreakable bond with her mare, Balinamonapark Tiger Lilly, aka Lilly. Together, they qualified for Badminton in 2024 after a stellar season, securing a third-place finish in the BE90 at Blindley Heath Regional Championship.

From city life to eventing

Amy’s equestrian journey began later in life. After a decade away from riding due to full-time work in the city, she bought Lilly seven years ago. She had already viewed 20 horses before meeting Lilly, but from the moment they met, Amy knew that Lilly was the one. Lilly, a horse with a heart of gold, came from renowned eventer Lucy Jackson’s yard, where she had been started gently and sensibly by an experienced groom.

“I was utterly rubbish when I bought Lilly,” Amy admits. “I’d never evented before, and starting eventing later in life was terrifying. But Lilly never gave up on me. She waited until my ability caught up to hers and, when it did, she gave me her trust.”

Training, trust, and triumph

It took years of training before Amy and Lilly were ready to step into the eventing world. But the work paid off, and over the last two years, they have had an incredible run of success. “My priority has always been to keep Lilly safe while letting her do what she loves,” she explains. “Every step on a cross-country course needs to be ridden, but the feeling of pure guts and courage Lilly gives me is nothing short of amazing. Riding her is my happy place.”

Preparing for Badminton

“Training right now is intense,” Amy shares on her preparation for Badminton. “I’ve been focused on dressage over the winter and even qualified for the British Dressage Winter Petplan Championships. But now, my focus is shifting to cross-country and showjumping, with fitness work underway to prepare for the long course at Badminton.”

Amy knows that Badminton will be a challenge for both her and in particular Lilly who has never stayed away from home before. Lilly’s fear of crowds and new experiences adds another layer of challenge, but Amy is determined to give it her all.

“Badminton is a real push for us, but I’m excited to get there and give it my best,” she says.

Do you have an inspiring story of your own journey to Badminton Grassroots? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at marketing@britisheventing.com.

To find out more about the LeMieux Design Badminton Grassroots Championships, click here.