A young event rider from Cambridgeshire has received the January Spotlight Award, a monthly prize that celebrates British Eventing (BE) members competing at BE80-100 level who embody the shared values of both the Howden Way and BE.

Millie Plumb had her 2024 season turned upside down when her horse Curolea Mika (Casper), who is owned by Anna Czylok, had to undergo life-saving colic surgery.

The pair had previously enjoyed much success at eventing, including winning the 2023 BE100 u18 National Championships at Bishop Burton. 

“Casper was diagnosed with a strangulating lipoma which is basically a tumour on a stalk that had wrapped itself round his small intestine, completely cutting it off,” said Millie. 

‘A ticking time bomb’

“It had been growing internally for however long like a ticking time bomb and finally nothing was able to get through any longer. 

“He had to have emergency surgery where they told us 18 feet of his small intestines had been affected but no resection was needed. After cutting the tumour off, 90% of the gut started moving again. 

“The worst 10 days of my life followed where we had no idea if he would make it or not. Waiting for the daily early morning phone call after the vet rounds were done was torture.”

Casper was discharged a week later but continued to colic frequently including at any time Millie would introduce hay into his diet.

Busy schedule

Millie and her family created a routine of feeding, hand grazing and administering medication to the 17-year-old Irish gelding which consumed most of the day and involved a 3am feed.

In May, Millie started riding Casper again and slowly rebuilt his fitness. Ten weeks later they attempted their Pony Club dressage qualifier, finishing fourth individually and helping the Newmarket & Thurlow Pony Club to victory in the team event which qualified them for the Pony Club Championships.

“Casper was incredible at the qualifier. As soon as I did my final halt of my test I burst into tears. It was just the best feeling as we never really expected to be competing again,” added Millie.

“It made all the struggles of the past couple of months fade into a distant memory.” 

Millie was nominated for the January Spotlight Award by BE regional coaches Emily Lochore and Kirsty Short.

“Millie is a hard-working girl and has shown resilience and strength in a hard time for any person, let alone an under-18,” said Kirsty. 

“Her season last year was completely turned upside down when her horse Casper had colic and some other complications. 

“Thankfully, he is now fit and well but we were impressed with how Millie didn’t give up on Casper and helped nurse him back to health.” 

Praise from an Olympic champion

Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett selected Millie for the honour from a shortlist of candidates.

“Horses certainly know how to keep us grounded, and it’s how we cope with these challenges that show who we really are,” said Laura.

“It must have been tough for Millie to see her horse suffering in that way, and its testament to her character that she stood by him and put everything into getting him better again. 

“To see them back out training is proof that dedication and care does pay off. I wish her and Casper a healthy and happy season.” 

As part of the award, Millie received a uvex exxential II riding helmet and a special rosette. 

“Casper is now fighting fit and feeling better than ever,” said Millie.

“We have done lots of training over the winter and are ready for the 2025 season. We are aiming to step up to novice this season, so it will be an exciting year for us, but whatever the season holds, I’m just so happy to be back on board my best friend.”

Main image © Legend Photography, other images © Debbie Plumb.

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