Equestrian Life Magazine September Issue 220 | Page 56

Arabella Clegg’s
Eventing Column
I am a young event rider based in Oxfordshire,
aspiring to reach the top in my chosen sport of
Eventing.
I have been competing in British Eventing since
2006. In 2011 I was head girl at Bullimore Eventing,
riding and grooming horses from 3-year-olds to
Advanced. Riding has been a part of my life for as
long as I can remember.
I started in showing aged 2 with a lovely Welsh
pony my mother bought from Stow Fair for £50,
he gave me my first taste of success, winning lots
of lead rein classes. I then started show jumping,
hunter trialling and hunting, and at the age of 12 we
brought my first event pony. As a member of the
Old Berkshire Pony Club I represented them up to
senior level showjumping and eventing.
Since then I have produced two event horses up to
Advanced and CCI** and trained with the Junior
and Young rider teams.

Photos by Tim Wilkinson
At last, July has been the
month that has seen placings,
qualifications and débuts!
We have all been basking in a
heatwave over the last few weeks
and this had taken its toll on the
ground. It has been a challenge
for event organisors who have
worked tirelessly to make
conditions as safe as possible,
however, sometimes it is best
to be sensible and not run your
horse too quick.
After a fairly slow early season,
with falls, withdrawals,
compulsory retirements, we’re
having a bit more luck. We’ve
been out and about more times
than I can keep up with!
Firstly, I didn’t get into Salperton
on either horses so we re-routed
to Eridge. Ruby was in the novice

at Eridge, as I just wanted to
step her down a level for a good
confidence-boosting run. And
that it was! A lovely test to score
26 followed by an immaculate
double-clear, which would have
left us picking up top honours
but I had the handbrake on to
save her legs so we finished up
8th. Molly just did the dressage
and show jumping as she had
physio’ the da