Eventing has always been a great passion and back in the day I was fearless across country. But that day was a long time ago! I last competed in a one day event in 1985 and now, thirty years later, rusty and very wobbly, I'm heading for my 50th birthday and somehow my 1st British Eventing 80 one day event. I thought from now on my contributions to equine competition would take place in the dressage arena and show ring but inspired by the bravery and sheer dynamic force of Hannah Francis, I'm going to boldly gallop out of my comfort zone with the goal of completing BE80 autumn 2017 and in doing so raise hundreds of £s for Hannah's charity, Willberry Wonder Pony.

Hannah was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, bone cancer, aged just 16. She was a very talented junior event rider and had her sights set on competing at top level. Even with a terminal diagnosis Hannah was determined to live her life to the full and set up Willberry Wonder Pony charity to raise funds to ensure ongoing research into bone cancer and also to make horsey wishes come true for those living with serious illness. Sadly Hannah passed away aged just 18 at the beginning of August this year. Willberry Wonder Pony is her legacy.

So I'm doing this because my brain says I can, even though my body tells a different story. Fat, unfit and nearly 50 - there's a lot of work to be done and I've started by joining the local running club. Next stop is my equine partner, my daughter Izi's pony Oxhay Costa - a very handsome & sometimes feisty 6 yo 14.2hh ISH X who has only seen cross country fences once. We can do this. Together with we'll seek out & channel our inner cross country demons - we might need superglue, dutch courage and strategically placed airbags but we'll definitely need & will be very grateful for your support! 

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