06/06/2026
At just 14 years old, Hollie Brewell from Belper, Derbyshire, has completed her first two-day 160km endurance ride with her barefoot Arab gelding, Cotswolds Shaquille. ๐
Riding at Pembrey on 30โ31 May, Hollie and nine-year-old โSharquiโ tackled 80km each day across a route that included forest tracks, dunes, deep sand, stony going, boggy sections and the beach.
For Hollie, the achievement still hasnโt quite sunk in.
โIt feels amazing; itโs not quite sunk in yet. I didnโt think I had it in me, so itโs made me realise I can do things when I set my mind to it.โ
The beach was one of Hollieโs biggest worries before the ride, after a previous fall at The Wirral left her with concussion. But at Pembrey, it became the highlight of the weekend.
โMy favourite part actually was the beach for both of us, and Sharqui really looked forward to it each time we were riding up the dunes.โ
Sharqui, a 15.2hh chestnut purebred Arab gelding, competed fully barefoot โ the result of careful preparation, hoof care and thoughtful route planning. He finished the ride feeling so well that he was still jogging around the venue afterwards, looking for the best grass!
โWhen he finished with an โAโ for action after all those kilometres, I was so proud and happy that my horse was healthy and happy too,โ said Hollie.
Hollieโs mum, Angela, said the most emotional moment was watching them canter out of the forest at the end of the ride, with Sharquiโs ears still pricked and both horse and rider looking happy.
This achievement has been built steadily. Hollie and Sharqui have progressed through pleasure rides, novice, open and young rider success, before stepping up to Advanced level this year. Their season included a two-day 80km at Haywood Oaks and a two-day 120km at Shuckburgh before taking on Pembrey.
And Hollieโs advice to other young riders thinking about giving endurance a go?
โDo it! But warn your mum and dad, as itโs addictive!โ
A brilliant achievement from a young rider with a very special partnership. Congratulations Hollie, Sharqui and team. ๐๐ด
Read Hollieโs full story here: https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Derbyshire+teenager+completes+first+160km+endurance+ride