Wiltshire horse riders invited to join national event

British Eventing, the UK's governing body for the equestrian sport, is calling on all riders to take part in the third annual Harry Hall One Club Anyone Can Event (ACE) Series.

The series is set to take place at West Wilts Equestrian Centre on December 8 and March 9 and is designed to appeal to riders of all levels, from the age of 10.

Liz Hopper, managing director at Harry Hall, said: "At Harry Hall, we’re dedicated to making the equestrian sport as accessible and affordable for as many people in the UK as possible.

"We do this through our One Club membership, which aims to provide a helping hand for horse owners and riders of all ages and abilities.

Bea Allen, the Junior 90cm Champion (Image: Majestic Photography) "The recent championships were a brilliant success and the feedback from the participants has been that it’s a fantastic competition and environment for riders of varying ages and abilities to have a go at arena style eventing."

The series, which runs throughout the winter months, has four height categories starting at 70cm through to 1m.

Non-members can compete at all the qualifiers that take place across the country, but they will need to join as a British Eventing member and register their horses for free if they want to take part in the final.

Last year, 58-year-old Karen Tidman, a postal worker from Coventry, took part in her local qualifying event, just 12 months after falling from her horse, Custard, and suffering a serious concussion and bruising.

After recovering from her injuries, she made the decision to jump back in the saddle and compete at the event, where she placed fourth in her age category on the first day.

She said: "I was still very new to eventing and riding in a formal setting, so when I came off Custard it really knocked my confidence.

"I was nervous to get back into riding, it took me around six months to get back to where I was prior to my fall.

“I started taking part in competitions again, and it was exactly a year on from my fall when I qualified for the Harry Hall One Club ACE Champs.

“It’s frightening to get into eventing and people think ‘no I can’t do that’ but the enjoyment, thrill and accomplishment is worth every minute.”