top of page
Content
Welcome to my blog—your go-to hub for everything endurance riding and horse care.You'll find practical tips, science-backed insights, and tried-and-tested strategies straight from the saddle.
I also geek out over upcoming high-profile endurance events. Think deep dives into the stats, exclusive chats with riders and organisers, and behind-the-scenes coverage you won’t find anywhere else.
If you never want to miss a blog, subscribe to the mailing list—you’ll get fresh content straight to your inbox, plus early access to special features and updates.
Search
Ride Report: Red Dragon: Season Finale
Red Dragon has been my season goal for months – but living in the flatlands meant training for one of the UK’s toughest endurance rides wasn’t exactly straightforward. Add in potentially slippery moorland, stabling worries, and a weather forecast that nearly made me withdraw, and it became as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Against all doubts, Chip and I tackled it – and I couldn’t be prouder of how he finished his tenth season.
Bella Fricker
Sep 29, 202515 min read
Ride Report: Michaelchurch: Testing the Waters Before Red Dragon
As I’m sure you know by now, my big aim this season is to take Chip to Red Dragon at the end of September. It’s one of the UK’s most...
Bella Fricker
Sep 10, 20258 min read
Ride Report: Avon Valley – Raine’s First 40km
Raine’s first 40km was a scorcher – literally and figuratively! Paired with the experienced Pav for the team relay, we trotted our way round on rock-hard ground, tackling gates, soaking up crew points, and learning heaps along the way. Straight As at the vetting, a second-place team finish, and a huge confidence boost for my clever baby mare. Next stop: more independence work before her next adventure.
Bella Fricker
Aug 13, 20257 min read
Ride Report: Avon Valley - Chip's Return to Racing
This season’s all about new rides and fresh challenges, so Chip and I tackled the 64km CER at Avon Valley — our first race in two years. Flat, hard ground meant steady miles over speed, but he felt fantastic, presenting to the vet in 2:18 with a pulse of 48 and straight As. Ten seasons in and he still loves his job. Big thanks to the organisers, crew, and flapjack. Full story here.
Bella Fricker
Aug 13, 20257 min read
Pan American Championship 120km Seniors & Juniors — Haras Albar, Campinas, BRA | 17–20 July 2025
The Pan American Endurance Championship, held every two years, returned in style this July 17–20, 2025, for its second-ever hosting in Brazil—this time at the stunning Haras Albar and Fazenda San Vicente in Campinas.
Bella Fricker
Aug 6, 20254 min read
Why Vitamin E Matters — Especially for Endurance Horses
Did you know your endurance horse could be falling short on vitamin E — even with a “balanced” diet?
Whether you're riding 25km or 160km, vitamin E is a must-have for muscle recovery, immune health, and overall resilience. And yet, if your horse is on hay or limited grazing, they could be missing out without you even realising it. 😬
Bella Fricker
Aug 2, 20253 min read
Ride Report: Elephant Rock - When 32km Feels Like 100
What do you get when you combine a family visit, a Dalmatian reunion, and a hilly endurance ride on the Cornish moors? Chaos, challenge, and a finish with one minute to spare. In this brutally honest recap of Elephant Rock, I share what it’s like riding one horse, managing another, and navigating 32km of steep climbs, tricky terrain, and no crewing. Spoiler: 32km has never hit quite so hard.
Bella Fricker
Aug 1, 20258 min read
Inside Red Dragon: An Interview with Joint Organiser John Hudson
Every autumn, the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance draws riders from grassroots to international levels to the Royal Welsh Showground. Organised by John and Jane Hudson in memory of Pat Conn, this iconic event blends stunning terrain, challenging courses, and a welcoming community. With continuous improvements and a range of classes, Red Dragon offers a bucket-list experience for all riders. The 2025 festival promises new classes, National Championships, a
Bella Fricker
Jul 30, 20254 min read
The Cirencester Park Ride & Inter-Regional Championships11–13th July 2025
Ten teams battled it out under 30°C heat at the 2025 Inter-Regional Championships at Cirencester Park. Congratulations to Hearts & Wolds for topping the leaderboard with 135 points! From young riders to seasoned campaigners, every team showed grit, sportsmanship and outstanding horse care
Bella Fricker
Jul 23, 20254 min read
Why Doesn’t Endurance Get the Coverage It Deserves?
Despite having more events, riders, and horses than dressage and eventing, endurance remains one of the least-covered equestrian sports in the media. In this blog, I explore why endurance continues to fly under the radar, the challenges it faces in gaining recognition, and what we can do to shine a light on this incredible discipline built on grit, strategy, and the deepest horse-human partnerships.
Bella Fricker
Jul 22, 20253 min read
Ride Report: Well Vale - Plans A, B and… C for Chaos
What was meant to be a straightforward 32km debut for Raine quickly turned into a test of flexibility, grit, and slosh bottle-related survival. From losing her rider (me), to a worrying post-ride wobble, Raine still crossed the line with heart — and a HR of 42. This is the full, honest, mildly chaotic report of our Well Vale adventure.
Bella Fricker
Jun 29, 202511 min read
Marijke Makes History, Spain Shines, and Drama Unfolds: Your Ultimate 2025 European Endurance Championship Round-Up
At the stunning Castiglione del Lago, the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 delivered unforgettable drama. Marijke Visser secured historic gold for the Netherlands, France Paul shone brightly with silver, and Gil Berenguer Carrera clinched bronze, leading Spain to team glory. Amid triumphs and heartbreaks, meticulous horse management and strategic brilliance defined this thrilling 160 km test of endurance. Relive every moment in my complete championship roundup!
Bella Fricker
Jun 24, 20256 min read
2025 European Endurance Predictions + 40 Years of Team Trends
With the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship returning to Castiglione del Lago in June 2025, endurance fans across Europe are bracing for one of the most hotly contested championships in the sport’s history. This deep-dive blog explores not only who’s in the running for medals in 2025—but also the fascinating trends from the last four decades of competition.
Bella Fricker
Jun 7, 20254 min read
Who’s In and Who’s Out – Final Entries Confirmed for the 2025 European Endurance Championship
The final entries are in for the 2025 European Endurance Championships in Castiglione del Lago. From powerhouse nations like France and Spain to riders flying the flag solo, this year’s start list promises thrilling competition. With full teams, last-minute horse swaps, and strategic picks in play, discover who’s lining up, who’s been left out, and what it could mean for the medals. The countdown to Europe’s biggest endurance showdown begins!
Bella Fricker
Jun 7, 202521 min read
Raine’s Second Ever Pleasure Ride… and a Lesson in Trusting the Process
I almost didn’t go to Raine’s second ever pleasure ride—last-minute doubts, trailer worries, and a windy forecast had me ready to bail. But a calm Sunday morning changed everything. We ended up having the best day: Raine travelled beautifully, was relaxed at the venue, and even gave me her first canter out on a ride. This blog is all about trusting the process, celebrating the little wins, and remembering how far we’ve come.
Bella Fricker
Jun 2, 20253 min read
The Countdown Begins: Nominated Entries Revealed for the 2025 European Championship in Castiglione del Lago
I've taken a deep dive into the FEI records for every horse and rider combination. From competition mileage and average speeds to completion rates and past Championship form, this blog explores the data behind the names.
Bella Fricker
May 27, 202526 min read
The Golden Horseshoe Ride 2025: Celebrating 60 Years of Endurance on Exmoor
Discover the riders taking on the toughest classes at the 60th Golden Horseshoe Ride across Exmoor. From seasoned pros to bold first-timers, meet the horses and humans tackling the iconic 80km and 120km challenges.
Bella Fricker
May 20, 20256 min read
Royal Windsor Endurance 2025: A Tough Day at the Castle
From personal milestones like FEI debuts to the heartbreak of eliminations, the 2025 Windsor Ride showcased everything that makes endurance riding both magical and merciless.
Bella Fricker
May 16, 20253 min read
Royal Windsor Endurance: A Weekend of Top-Class Racing
The Royal Windsor Endurance Ride returns this Friday to Windsor Great Park, offering riders a chance to compete in one of the UK's most prestigious endurance events. With top competitors and great weather, it's set to be an exciting weekend. Follow the action on the Yamamah app for live updates.
Bella Fricker
May 14, 20254 min read
Ride Report: Shuckburgh Hall
Ride Report: Shuckburgh Hall – A Close-to-Home Adventure with No Stress (Well, Almost)
A 40-minute drive, some sunny weather, and a stress-free attitude (for once) – it was the perfect recipe for a relaxed ride at Shuckburgh Hall. Discover how Chip and I tackled the 30km course, survived a tractor rally, and even passed the vet check with flying colours. Plus, a sneak peek at our next adventure: Golden Horseshoe and Raine's debut! Read all about it here.
Bella Fricker
May 5, 20256 min read
bottom of page