With just a few months to go until the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at Bramham International Horse Trials, we caught up with intrepid qualified riders to find out how they are preparing for 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 open on 29th April.
Rosie Hurst
Rosie Hurst and her 12-year-old gelding Meadowfarm Mr Flynnstone have the NAF 5* BE80 Championships firmly in their sights. Here, Rosies shares her plans ahead of the championships.
“Last year was a dream come true as I never even believed I could qualify for this event! In our first year in BE in 2022, it took me four attempts to get my first double clear as we kept having a stop cross-country and I started to lose faith. However, eventually, it just seemed to click and we finished in the top 10 at every event we entered last year.
“I was very aware that if I wanted a shot at the top 10 at Bramham I needed to get my dressage sorted. In the summer of 2023, I started to have regular dressage lessons and, truth be told, I now really love it! I’ve had a lesson at least one or twice a month all winter to prepare. I don’t have an arena at home so I’ve been borrowing friends’ arenas all winter to try and practice my flat work and keep my eye in show jumping.
“I have also hunted and team chased to keep him brave and fit all winter. He is a bit of a coward when it comes to water and ditches, so this really helps to keep him accustomed to these tests on the cross-country course.
“Now we are getting closer, I’ve started to plan in my BE events in the build-up, competing at least once in April and May. I can’t wait to get going and am so excited for Bramham!”
More information about the Championship can be found here – https://www.britisheventing.com/compete/championships/be80-championship
