Keeping a horse fit and sound, and qualifying for the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots championships is a feat in itself, let alone when you have another sport to fit in to your already busy schedule. Amazingly, Sasha Roberts (17) successfully juggles both eventing and rugby, and has managed to not only qualify her horse Billy High Hopes for this year’s Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships, but has also just been named Captain for her college rugby team.
Sasha rides Billy High Hopes, aka Grace, a nine-year-old Anglo European Warmblood.
“We bought her from Pippa Funnell over two years ago, and ever since she has been a joy to ride and always tries her best to please me,” said Sasha. “Grace is definitely a big fan of the cross-country phase, and goes into cruise control around the course. Occasionally we end up being a bit too fast as we have too much fun, but more recently we have managed to put that under control.”
Last year, Sasha and Grace were selected for the U18s BE90 team. More recently, they have moved up to BE100 and were third with a double clear at South of England at the end of last season. Sasha is also a keen rugby player and plays for Harlequins U18 which she fits in around her eventing.
“My goal this season with Grace is to hopefully be selected for the BE100 U18 team and qualify for Badminton again next year in the BE100 section,” added Sasha. “This is my first year going to Badminton grassroots and I am beyond excited. I have an excellent support team who are helping me throughout to get ready for the big event. We have been out show jumping, doing dressage and cross-country schooling, so we are feeling ready and excited. It is an awesome experience to be involved in and I can’t wait!”
Alongside eventing and her Harlequins rugby, Sasha also plays rugby for Worthing College where she is studying.
“I have just been named captain for Worthing College Rugby Team,” she added. “I mainly play flanker but have recently also been exploring hooker as a possible new position to develop my skills and give me more opportunities.”
Sasha has been playing rugby for nine years, starting in U9’s at Alton RFC.
“Personally, I love the contact: making big hits and hard runs,” she tells. “It’s thrilling and definitely an adrenaline rush. Rugby and riding have always worked well together: rugby in the winter and eventing in the summer. They most definitely benefit one another as I have never had a problem with fitness around a cross-country course, and my core strength is quite naturally good. Not to mention the improvement in my balance from all those naughty ponies trying to have me off!”
Eventing and rugby run in the family, as Sasha’s older sister Ellie (19) has just represented England in an U20 match against France. She also events and is hoping to be out this season eventing while studying for a degree at Loughborough University.
Rosie Williams, British Eventing’s CEO commented: “Both sports are dear to my heart and both of them take dedication, bravery, hard work and stepping outside of the norm. It’s great to see young people achieving in two sports! We wish Sasha and Ellie all the best with their eventing and rugby.”
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