To celebrate the opening of entries for the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at Bramham International Horse Trials, we’ve caught up with three intrepid qualified riders to find out what they are most looking forward to at this year’s event.
If you have qualified for this year’s Championship, taking place on 6-8 June, don’t miss your chance to join the fun – entries are now open!
Bryony Whitby and Kilguilkey Gangster: “It’s a dream come true”
Surrey-based Bryony has owned 13-year-old Irish piebald gelding Kilguilkey Gangster, aka Ted for five years and took up eventing in 2021. They are super excited to be making the trip all the way from Surrey to Yorkshire for the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at Bramham. Here, she tells their story.
“I bought Ted as soon as he came off the boat from Ireland,” said Bryony. “He’s called Gangster but he’s anything but, he’s far too sweet and a proper little family horse. My nine-year-old daughter handles him at home and often steals a ride on him.”
The pair qualified for the championships at Firle. “We did Munstead, Chilham and Firle last year and managed to get our OPB in the top 100 in those three outings,” added Bryony. “He went double clear at Firle, despite getting stage fright because there was lots of sheep – he wasn’t sure what to make of them – but he soared over the jumps and we finished 14th. I’m hoping there’s no sheep at Bramham!
“We’re getting ready for Chilham next, and then it’ll be homework until Bramham. I’ve got a brilliant best friend who is going to come with me and we’ll treat it as a mini holiday. We’ll go and have a lot of fun and enjoy it.
“I’m just pleased to have got here. It was such a surprise when the email came through – it’s a pretty big deal for me. It’s a dream come true regardless of where we finish especially with such a fun boy. He’ll love it.”
More information about the Championship and how to qualify for next year can be found here – https://www.britisheventing.com/compete/championships/be80-championship
