For Ellie Luffman, the road to the LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships has been a long and determined one — 13 years, seven horses, and countless ups and downs. But this spring, her dream is finally becoming reality with her talented young partner, King Kashu, known at home as Fin.
“Ever since I had to retire my horse Miserden Velvet in 2012 due to an injury, I made it my aim to qualify for Badminton Grassroots with my next horse,” Ellie shares. “Fast forward 13 years and seven horses later, that dream has finally come true with King Kashu.”
Ellie first met Fin, a green five-year-old, in August 2023. It didn’t take long to realise she had found a special one. In their first season eventing together, the pair achieved an incredible six top ten finishes at BE90 level including Ellie’s first ever BE win at Sapey. A fantastic third-place finish at the Chillington Hall Regional Qualifier sealed their place at this year’s championships.
“He is such a talented, loving horse who really enjoys his eventing,” Ellie says.
Balancing a full-time career in banking alongside her eventing ambitions hasn’t always been easy, and the years leading up to Fin were marked by tough moments, including heartbreak from losing horses. But Ellie’s journey is a true testament to perseverance.
“This really does prove that grit, hard work and resilience — along with a bit of luck — goes a long way in helping you reach those dreams!” she says.
We can’t wait to see Ellie and Fin take on the famous Badminton turf, living proof that persistence and passion can lead you all the way to one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
To find out more about the LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships, click here.
