Fifteen-year-old Hollie Brewell from Belper, Derbyshire, has won a 120km endurance ride at a major international event in Thetford, Norfolk. Riding her nine-year-old Arabian horse, Cotswolds Shaquille, she completed the challenging distance in their very first attempt at this level of competition.
Hollie and ‘Sharqui’, as he is known at home, successfully completed the 120km Competitive Endurance Ride (CER), finishing in first place. The achievement was made even more remarkable as Sharqui was also awarded the prestigious ‘Best Condition’ rosette by the veterinary team, an accolade given to the horse judged to be in the best physical shape at the end of the ride. The pair finished with an excellent final heart rate of just 48 beats per minute.
Endurance riding is a sport that tests the fitness and stamina of both horse and rider. Competitors follow carefully marked routes, ranging from local pleasure rides of 10km to championship-level competitions of up to 160km in a day. Horse welfare is the highest priority, with all horses undertaking rigorous veterinary checks before, during, and after the ride to ensure they are fit and sound to continue. A successful completion is a huge achievement, demonstrating a powerful partnership built on trust, training, and exceptional horse care.
This ride was a significant milestone for Hollie and Sharqui, who had previously only competed up to 80km. The step up to 120km, combined with the atmosphere of a major FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) event, was a daunting prospect.“I was incredibly nervous about how Sharqui would cope with the atmosphere, particularly as we had never experienced a mass start before,” said Hollie. “But he took it all in his stride. I still can’t quite believe we did it. From our previous maximum of 80km to completing our first 120km CER, he was simply amazing from start to finish. It was an experience I will never forget, and one that has made me incredibly proud of my horse.”
The achievement is a testament to the pair’s strong partnership and preparation. Hollie and her support crew, consisting of her Mum and friend Steph, managed Sharqui’s pace and recovery perfectly through a series of vet-checks during the ride. In a remarkable feat of fitness and conditioning, Sharqui completed the entire 120km route barefoot, without the need for hoof boots. One of the most memorable moments for Hollie came at the final vetting. “The crowd at the awards ceremony erupted into cheers and applause. I think Sharqui genuinely believed that everyone had gathered simply just to watch him! He was lapping up the attention and looked incredibly pleased with himself.”
The event was a true community effort, with Hollie thanking the FEI officials and vets for being “fantastic and doing so much to settle my nerves.”
Hollie and Sharqui’s success story embodies the adventure and sense of achievement at the heart of Endurance GB. The sport offers opportunities for everyone to get involved, from grassroots pleasure rides to the thrill of competitive events. It is a community united by a love of horses and a passion for exploring the countryside, where the partnership between horse and rider is celebrated above all else.