As excitement builds for the Aspen Cooling BE80 Grassroots Championships at Chillington Hall (29-31 May), we’re catching up with qualified riders to find out what they’re most looking forward to and how they are preparing for this year’s event.
Late last season, amateur eventer Julie Adams embarked on what she describes as “a new chapter” in her riding career, diving headfirst into eventing in her late 40s. Having enjoyed a busy childhood in the saddle, Julie took a break from riding to raise her four daughters, only to find herself rekindling that childhood passion once her daughters were older.
“I embarked on a new chapter in my equestrian journey, dipping into eventing in my late 40s, having ridden as a child but taking time away from the saddle to raise my four daughters,” Julie explains. “My eventing passion was inspired by my daughter Scarlett, initially supporting her as a groom. Having never really jumped much before, it has – and continues to be – a challenge, but I am hooked!”
In May 2024, during Scarlett’s A‑level break, Julie teamed up with Kimberley Chase, an 11‑year‑old, 15.2hh Connemara x KWPN gelding well known around the yard for his cheeky pony‑like personality and insatiable appetite.
“Chase came to us as an inexperienced seven‑year‑old,” Julie recalls. “Early in the 2023 season, he sustained an injury that side-lined him for eight months, requiring extensive rehab and miles of in‑hand walking. Bringing him back into full work was a slow process, but by June 2024 we’d completed our first ever event together.”
Despite being a newly formed partnership, Julie and Chase defied expectations by earning qualification for the Regional Championships – an achievement that earned them tickets to compete at the prestigious Chillington Hall in October 2024.
“I didn’t set my sights too high at first,” she admits, “so securing Regional Championship qualification felt like a dream come true. To end up at Chillington Hall last October was simply incredible.”
The pair’s momentum has carried into the 2025 season, though not without its trials. A handful of minor setbacks for Chase have tested Julie’s resolve, but her enthusiasm for the season is as strong as ever.
“Despite a few hiccups at the start of this year including some small issues with Chase, I’m more excited than ever for the season ahead, especially making the journey from the New Forest to Chillington again,” she says. “I am incredibly proud of my little horse who has enabled me to have this adventure!”
British Eventing wishes them the very best of luck as they continue their remarkable journey.
To find out more about the Aspen Cooling BE80 Grassroots Championships at Chillington Hall, click here.
Have your own #RoadToAspenCoolingBE80Champs story to share? Email us at marketing@britisheventing.com – we’d love to hear it.
