Two Hartpury University students competed at the LeMieux British Eventing Grassroots Championships, during the Mars Badminton Horse Trials. The pair completed all three phases at the prestigious venue and relished the experience.
Like many students, Ellie Nicholson - a BSc (Hons) Equestrian Sports Science student, and Mia Short – a BSc (Hons) Equine Performance and Rehabilitation student, train and compete alongside their studies.
Ellie competed in the BE100 Championship with MIH Topgun or Toppa as he’s known. Mia competed in the BE90 Championship with Buachaill Beag aka ‘Bougal’.
Speaking after the event, Ellie said: “It’s been very special to be able to compete at Badminton – surreal at times. I am so proud of my horse Toppa and how he went, he felt mega. He finished the cross country full of running, barely breaking into a sweat. It feels like a childhood dream that came true. I definitely want to be back there next year!”
Mia added: “My Badminton experience has also been unreal. I’ve been dreaming about competing there since I was young. My horse Bougal made those dreams come true, giving me three lovely rides in all three phases. I loved every second of my experience at Badminton.”
Students and alumni will also likely be in action on home turf this summer, for the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage (1-6 July) and NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials inc. British Eventing National Championships (5-10 August).
