WHEDDON Cross endurance rider Amanda Hamley and her 15 year old Standardbred Lady have helped England to retain the Home International Cup for the second year in a row, achieving a second place in the Two-Day 86km.

The Endurance Home International Championships took place on the weekend of Saturday, 30th August, and Sunday, August 31st, at the Three Rivers Ride in Rockbourne, which is in Hampshire, and saw teams from Scotland, Wales and England all compete in a bid to win the coveted Home International Cup.

Amanda said after the event: “Riding for England for the second year in a row has been such an honour for me. Three Rivers is a fabulous ride, so I was excited to be competing with Lady in the Two Day 86km, after tackling the 60km with my Thoroughbred ‘More Salutes’ as part of the England team in Ireland last year.

“Lady is my very keen partner in crime. Focused, bold and enthusiastic. She took on the course with ease and came over the finish line in a blaze of glory. After retiring her twice from competing, I never dreamt we’d be riding on the England team one day.

“Representing your country at the Home International is a huge privilege, but it is also really good fun. It brings people together that you might not otherwise meet, and includes team parades, team vetting’s and team work. You laugh, cry and make friends at the event for life.

“It’s a special competition with a special selection of horses and riders on each and every team.”

The Endurance GB International Committee congratulates Amanda Hamley and the England team on their success at the championships. You can find out more about Endurance at www.endurancegb.co.uk