One of the biggest cheers at the first horse inspection at Badminton was for Ben as he started the event he had dreamed of during his cancer treatment
A year ago Ben Hobday was diagnosed with lymphoma. The eventing rider from the north of England has ridden around some of the scariest cross country courses you can find but this was a whole new challenge that he met with bravery, humour and endearing honesty, charting his course through the cancer treatment on social media
We met Ben this year at Kelsall Hill where he won the Open Intermediate on Sallie Ryle's Mulrys Error (watch their winning cross country ride here). Despite his tumultuous year Ben had set the goal of competing at Badminton Horse Trials, a feat he accomplished whilst also promoting the charity created by another eventing rider working through cancer, Hannah Francis’ Willberry Wonder Pony
Ben rode around the Badminton cross country course with Willberry Wonder Pony on his back to raise awareness of the charity
Today Ben was announced as the Patron of Bright Red, a charity established to improve the lives and treatment of people in the north who are dealing with blood cancer... in this video for Bright Red Ben tells his story
