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Deborah Burrell started riding when she was just six years old but the love for riding and eventing has continued throughout her life.
She now describes herself as a ‘competitive grassroots rider’ and winning the BETTALIFE/Event Horse Owners Association (EHOA) Veteran Eventing Championship at the end of the 2023 British Eventing season as ‘totally amazing, one of my greatest achievements and something I will remember forever. The award ceremony was fantastic, I was made to feel very special.’
The Veteran Eventing Championship, newly established in 2023 to reward riders aged 45 and older, saw Deborah and her horse Imperial Tangle (Impy) awarded the inaugural prize of £500, trophy, rosette and an array of BETTALIFE products.
“I believe it is 100% vital to keep encouraging the more senior rider to compete” says Deborah, who topped the league with points gained at a maximum of five British Eventing competitions to be completed on one horse. Fittingly Deborah was also the highest placed EHOA member.
“To have a league just for veteran riders is very rewarding and exciting to be part of. In general, as long as my horse and I have tried our best I am happy, but getting a prize is certainly a bonus” says Deborah, who says it’s hard to pick a favourite win or event from the season as each event was special, and all the courses were beautifully built.
“But two highlights of our season were Bramham International and Bicton International - both were totally awesome and gave me a great buzz! We finished ninth at Bramham and we jumped a faultless clear at a very big and technical Bicton to finish 31st out of over 100 starters!”
The full-time mum of five children who is based in Chobham, Surrey thanks her lucky stars for her supportive husband, who was her groom at most events this year, for ‘enabling me to live my dream everyday’ and Impy, her ‘angel and horse of a lifetime’.
“Impy is the kindest most genuine horse, she enjoys her job and loves cross country” says Deborah “She particularly loves three day events and is an absolute delight at stay away shows. She will let me kiss her, but you can see that she is thinking ‘kiss me then leave me alone’ - she tolerates being pampered but she would rather be working, preferably going cross country!”
“I brought Impy in 2017 from an advert on horse quest, I was very lucky to be one of the first to view her. I still keep in touch with Jenny who I brought her from!”
“Our partnership is solid, and we both completely trust each other. Impy will always try her best and, when one of my children was diagnosed with cancer, Impy helped me cope.”
“I have other horses, but Impy is my main competition horse as she is so good in all three phases. My daughter Chloe rode her at the Dressage Nationals, so she really is a family horse. Chloe helps me when I school her, she knows how to ride her to get the best results. She is reliable in the show jumping phase BUT her passion is definitely the cross country, she is a real machine and makes the time easily; she always makes me smile, I have yet to have a bad ride on her!”
“Eventing is hugely important to me; it gives me a purpose and the events gives me something to aim for. I love competing at the many wonderful venues available through British Eventing and trying my best to finish in the top 10, qualify for finals and do as well as I can in the leagues” adds Deborah, who now has next season in her sights.
“Our plans for 2024 are to continue to have fun, be safe and qualify for as many finals as we can. We have already secured a place for Bramham and I do hope the Veteran League runs again”
