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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.
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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 2915 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 108 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 137 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 137 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 18 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 2911 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 23 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 56 min read
Ride report: Cannock Chase
After 19 months, I finally completed my first successful endurance ride! After setbacks and doubts, Chip and I conquered 32km at Cannock!
Bella Fricker
Mar 245 min read
A ride (of sorts!) - JOY
Finally something to blog about! Truth be told the winter has been getting me down. The mud has been relentless, my wellies have been...
Bella Fricker
Feb 175 min read
Race report: Lavenham
My first (and maybe last?) race of the year for Chip? My 2024 season hasn't got off to the best start and in this I know that I am...
Bella Fricker
Jun 24, 202412 min read
Race Report: Well Vale
I wrote a pre-read blog which you can catch up on the ‘before’ part of the story here. So this blog can begin on Friday 18th August,...
Bella Fricker
Aug 25, 202312 min read
Ride report - Three Shires 80km
I’m keen to keep this ride report brief as I know I have a tendency to make these blogs rather long! However, I do always feel that any...
Bella Fricker
Apr 28, 202313 min read
Ride Report - Poplar Park 40km
After Lion’s Tail (read that ride report here ) I was unsure whether to progress with another endurance ride before the end of the season...
Bella Fricker
Nov 7, 202212 min read
Ride Report - Lion's Tail 32km
Spice completed his first novice ride (40km) at Kings Forest (Suffolk) at the end of June and you can read about that here . I had...
Bella Fricker
Sep 27, 202211 min read
Ride Report - Kings Forest 40km
If you read my previous blog you’ll know that I took both Chip and Spice to Kings Forest to compete. It is with some sadness therefore...
Bella Fricker
Jul 8, 202211 min read
Race report - kings forest 160km
I had a busy weekend at the summer edition of the Kings Forest ride as I took both Chip and Spice to compete. Chip in the CEI3* 160km on...
Bella Fricker
Jul 6, 202223 min read
Race report - kings forest
Where to start for this race report?! It feels so highly unusual to be analysing and reporting back on a successful race! Yes successful...
Bella Fricker
Apr 23, 202212 min read
Ride report - Haywood Oaks
It’s been a little while since I last wrote a ‘ride’ report as opposed to a race report! In fact, the last GER I took part in was March...
Bella Fricker
Mar 29, 202211 min read
Race report: Windsor
Whenever I sit down to the write these blogs, I always wonder where to start exactly. I often think it’s not really a true reflection of...
Bella Fricker
Jul 10, 202121 min read
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