Lutterworth rider and ex-racehorse triumph at National Endurance Championships
Lutterworth equestrian Beth Kerslake and her former racehorse, Semper Invicta, galloped to victory at the recent Club Endurance Championships in Wales.
Riding for the ‘More Go than Whoah’ team, Beth and her 15-year-old horse, known at home as ‘Vic’, completed the Level 1 Club Championship class at the prestigious British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance.
Alongside fellow riders Sophie and Grace, Beth took first place in the competition which is designed to be a fun and achievable introduction to endurance for riding clubs, Pony Clubs, and other equestrian groups from across the country.
Beth was originally due to compete with her season-long team, the Midland Rams, but was invited to join the former-racehorse team when her original team could not attend.
She met her new teammates for the first time at the event, a testament to the welcoming spirit of the endurance community.
“I was so proud to represent Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), as the support they offer to owners of ex-racehorses is superb,” said Beth.
“Endurance is definitely a discipline these athletes can excel in. Vic was my Red Dragon on the day – very fit and ready to go. The journey to get here has taken all year, and I am extremely proud of him.
“It was a wonderful feeling to be sharing the experience with my new teammates, Sophie and Grace; we all agreed how lovely endurance people are.”
In endurance riding, horse and rider partnerships are tested vigorously over carefully marked, long-distance routes.
Horse welfare is the absolute priority, with all competitors required to pass strict veterinary checks before, during, and after the ride to ensure their horse is fit and sound to continue.
This focus on partnership, preparation, and careful recovery makes completing an endurance ride a significant achievement in itself. So winning a competition is an even greater feat.
Next year, the Club Endurance Championships will be hosted closer to home, and it’s an event Beth is already looking forward to.
Beth remains an active member of the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of Endurance GB and the Misterton & District Riding Club.
The talented equestrian extends her heartfelt thanks to the organisers and volunteers at the Red Dragon Festival, and to Gillian Hasberry, Alison P, and Shell H from the Leicestershire Endurance group for their support.