Isle of Wight rider Vicky Lacey and her 5-year-old Welsh x Warmblood horse Buddy have secured an impressive overall Reserve Champion title while representing England at the Senior Home Nations in Leicestershire.
Vicky and Buddy travelled to Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre for 3 days of competition, having been selected to represent England both as part of a team and individually.
It was an achievement that Vicky had dreamed of reaching with Buddy in the years ahead, making his selection at just 5 years old particularly special.
Despite being one of the more inexperienced horses at the competition, Buddy rose to the occasion and the pair finished as overall Reserve Champion against more than 70 tests ridden across the championship days.
They also achieved a score of 82.4% from one of the judges.
Vicky has said:
“I couldn’t believe we were selected to ride for England in a team and as an individual this year.
Article continues below this advertisement “He’s so grown up for his age and there was so much to take in over the 3 days we were competing. I felt so proud to wear the England flag on Buddy.
“I knew he would try his best, but obviously it was likely he would be one of the most inexperienced. Yet again, Buddy showed what he could do.”
The celebrations continued shortly after Vicky and Buddy returned home when they discovered they had qualified for the British Dressage National Petplan Championships at Novice level in the music class.
The latest success is particularly meaningful for Vicky and her partner Martin, who have had Buddy since he was a foal and have produced him themselves through the years.
His backing was carried out by Olympic dressage rider and trainer Andrew Gould, who continues to train Vicky and Buddy.
Vicky has added:
“I am so incredibly proud of Buddy and what makes it even more special is my partner Martin and I have had Buddy from a foal and produced him ourselves through the years up until his backing, which was done by Olympic dressage rider and trainer Andrew Gould.
“Andrew trains Buddy and I and we couldn’t have done this without him.
“We are very excited for 2027.”
Vicky has also thanked her sponsors Red Funnel Ferries, Reynolds & Read, Georgina Leavold Bringing Bodies Back Into Balance, New Barton Farm Hay & Straw and Arctic One Foundation for helping to make her dreams a reality.
