A rider who has experienced a challenging two years but has continued to pursue her riding goals was among the winners at the 2024 Bates Saddles Arena Eventing Championships.
Stephanie Read and 18-year-old Monsoon III took the BE100 Open title. The Slough-based rider explained that the gelding is one of her livery’s, and she has taken on the ride while she is travelling.
Stephanie said the win was particularly welcome given her recent experiences.
“It’s been a pretty hard couple of years as I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, then my father passed away and then I lost my own horse, so to have this win has really boosted us all and made it worthwhile,” she said. “It was a very emotional win for us all.”
She plans to event Monsoon III this season, and is entered for Munstead as their first event, with the grassroots championships as their goal.
Rosabella Harrison and Captain Move were victors of the BE80 championships, while the BE90 championship was awarded to Sophia Icke and My Gentleman Jack. Ellie Nicholson and MIH Topgun topped the BE100.
“This is the third year we have supported the Arena Eventing Championships here at Aston-le-Walls Equestrian Centre and it is fantastic to see the event go from strength-to-strength with a record number of entries this year,” said Ellen Bates of Bates Saddles.
“We are really proud to support these Championships as it makes up such an important part of the winter calendar for so many riders. It has been fabulous to be on site this year. We have seen some fantastic sport, met so many of the riders and been able to offer them the opportunity to tell them about our saddles. Congratulations to everyone who competed, and well done to our winners!”
Lead image of Stephanie Read by Matt Nuttall Photography www.mattnuttallphotography.co.
