Derbyshire teenager lands back-to-back endurance victories

Riding her super star nine-year-old Arabian gelding Cotswolds Shaquille (affectionately known as "Sharqui"), the Amber Valley-based teenager demonstrated maturity and horsemanship far beyond her years to secure top honours in hot summer conditions.

Over the three-day Cirencester event, Hollie and Sharqui tackled a demanding schedule: 64km on Day 1 (two 32km loops), 64km on Day 2 (two 32km loops), and 32km on Day 3 (two 16km loops). Despite scorching summer heat and exceptionally hard, dry ground, the pair delivered an immaculate performance to achieve a prestigious win. Crucially, they registered their lowest-ever end-vetting heart rate of just 39 beats per minute (bpm)—a testament to Sharqui's superb fitness and recovery capacity.

Endurance riding is a unique equestrian sport that tests the fitness, stamina, and partnership of horse and rider over marked off-road routes. At regular intervals, known as 'vet gates', horses must pass rigorous veterinary inspections. Veterinarians measure heart rates, metabolic signs, and soundness; if a horse does not meet strict physiological criteria or shows signs of fatigue, they are immediately withdrawn.

Reflecting on her whirlwind success, Hollie said: " "It’s still sinking in! Our goal was simply to complete the ride safely. My mum and dad always tell me that at these distances, a completion is a win and anything else is a bonus, especially as Pembrey was only at the end of May. But Sharqui had recovered so incredibly well that we decided to go for it.

"Friday was definitely the toughest day. It was the hottest day of the weekend and we had to ride the entire 64km completely alone as no one else was doing that distance. We both hit a bit of a mental block on the second loop. My mum suggested putting some music on my phone. I laughed and thought it was silly, but further down the track I changed my mind and put Harry Styles on loudspeaker! I don't know if Sharqui is a fan, but he was soon cantering along to the beat!

"To get a Grade 1 and our lowest-ever end-vetting heart rate of 39 bpm is amazing. We’d been practicing getting Sharqui to stand still at the young rider camp the week before because he’s usually such a fidget, and he stood absolutely still for all nine vettings! He’s a reflection of me—he gets bored quickly and loves his carrots, but when his energy is channelled, he gives 110%. He is the most perfect horse to explore with."

Completing and winning back-to-back 160km rides within such a short timeframe is a monumental achievement for any endurance combination, let alone a 15-year-old rider.

Hollie, who started riding on a lead rein at just ten months old and joined Endurance GB (EGB) as a junior, has built an exceptional partnership with Sharqui since they paired up three years ago.

Her victory highlights the incredible potential of young riders within the sport and exemplifies the dedication, training, and deep understanding required to compete at the highest distances while keeping the horse’s welfare and recovery at the forefront.

Endurance is a true team sport, and Hollie's success is shared with her dedicated crew—including her parents, who supported her through the blistering heat. Hollie also expressed deep gratitude to the event organisers, the tireless volunteers, and the veterinary panel at Cirencester who provided invaluable support and advice. Special thanks were also given to the Endurance GB development squad vet Kate Atkinson and Chef d'Equipe Katie Dickinson for their expert coaching, as well as EGB Chair Larissa West, who has been a strong supporter of Hollie's progression.

Hollie’s journey from a Welsh Section A pony to top-level Arabian endurance success embodies Endurance GB’s mission to foster horse-and-rider partnerships at all levels. "You don’t need an Arab or special tack to get started," Hollie advises. "There are so many classes and breeds, and the support within EGB is so special. You build an unbreakable bond with your horse and share spectacular trails you'd never normally see."

Endurance GB offers opportunities from grassroots pleasure rides to elite international championships, united by a shared passion for equine welfare and adventure.

Following her stellar double victory, Sharqui has passed his post-event physiotherapy checks with flying colours and is now enjoying a well-deserved summer holiday in the field before the team plans their next steps for the season.