About Ben

Age:

19

Location:

Denbighshire

Level competing at:

BE100, BE105, Novice

About me:

My name is Ben Read, I am a 19-year-old student from North Wales. I currently have three horses – Dougal, Bert and Rocky. Dougal has been my main man since I was 14 and has taken me up to 1* level, Bert is my project horse and Rocky is my old pony who we just can’t bear to part with! In September, I will enter my final year of my Equine Science and Sports Performance degree at University Centre Reaseheath and I have plans to do a Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy afterwards. As well as riding, I love teaching and am currently working my way up the BHS levels to become an Accredited Coach. Additionally, I am a qualified [pink] coach for the Riding for the Disabled Association. In my spare time, I like to walk my Jack Russell – Pip - and find ways to play with the tractor at home.

About my horses:

Dougal is a 16.3hh, 12 year old, bay, Irish sports horse (with a big white blaze) who I have owned for 6 years. He was my first event horse and we worked are way up the levels from BE90 to the U18 1* championships in 2016. Sadly after an amazing season he hurt his back and progress has left us steadily doing BE100 in hopes of going back to novice. Dougal’s talent is ripping brand new rugs during the winter!. Bert is a 16.1hh, 8 year old, bright bay, Irish sport horse. He my project horse and we hope to get him to his first events next season, Bert's favourite is to have lots of scratches before bedtime. Rocky is my old retired PC pony and he is the pony that got me into jumping, he now enjoys hacks with my mum and telling the other two horses who is boss.

What is my favourite thing about eventing?

My favorite thing about Eventing is competing against friends in a competitive but friendly manner and seeing the joy on my horse's faces when they go cross country

Who inspires me?

I am inspired by all the competitors that do the sport for fun and seeing the workmanship between each horse and there rider.

What motivates me to event?

I am motivated to event by watching my peers and getting to see all the hard work from training payoff