A RIDER based in the Quantock Hills has taken top honours at a national endurance riding event, showcasing both athletic performance and the unique partnership between horse and rider.

Dutch-born rider Shanti Roos, who has lived in the UK for over 20 years and runs an Airbnb business with her husband in the Quantocks, stormed to victory in the 80km (50-mile) race at Kings Forest, Suffolk last weekend

Riding her 11-year-old French-bred gelding, Fripon, Shanti delivered a perfectly judged performance to take the win by four minutes and 30 seconds, finishing at an impressive average speed of 17.01km/h.

The competition was closely contested, with fellow rider Linda Cowperthwaite setting off on the final loop ahead. However, using a strategy often referred to in running as “negative splits” – conserving energy early and increasing pace later – Shanti and Fripon steadily closed the gap before pulling ahead in the final stages.

Shanti said: “The Quantock Hills give us everything we need to train properly – hills, varied terrain, and space to build fitness gradually.

The pair are no strangers to success, having represented the Netherlands at the European Championships last year, where they helped secure a team bronze medal.

Shanti added: “I had to drive my horse lorry for seven hours to get to this ride but it was well worth it. Kings Forest has the best tracks of all endurance rides in the UK and the organisation and course marking are excellent.

The ground was better than ever. This was the first outing for my horse Fripon since the Europeans in June and I didn’t know how fit he would be but he has come out of his long holiday stronger than ever. I selected this ride as a training for our qualification ride at Windsor next month - selection for our next big goal - the World Endurance Championships."