Pemberton completes journey from Blidworth rookie to national champion

The prestigious event, organised by Endurance GB, brought together the country’s top endurance partnerships at Thetford Forest.

For Rachel, this podium finish marks an emotional milestone in a 30-year riding career, celebrating both equine rehabilitation and personal resilience.

Rachel first fell in love with endurance riding over three decades ago in Blidworth on a loaned Arab/Connemara cross named George. Five years ago, she met Bransby Tarik—a 15.2hh purebred Arabian—when he was an unbacked six-year-old rescue horse.

At the time, Rachel was severely debilitated by long Covid and unable to drive, let alone ride. Tarik became instrumental in her rehabilitation, earning him the household nickname "The Covid Cure."

"When I first saw Tarik five years ago, I immediately knew he was the horse for me," said Rachel. "Cantering along the tracks at Thetford and realising what we had achieved together was incredibly emotional. To go from being so poorly to standing on a national podium with a horse I backed myself is something truly special."

The championship route through Thetford provided ideal going, allowing the pair to showcase their stamina and partnership.

"The route was fantastic with plenty of opportunities to canter and brilliant course marking," Rachel added. "The event was professionally organised, with wonderful volunteers who always had a smile on their faces and couldn't do enough to help."

Qualifying via Endurance GB’s structured novice pathway gave the pair a clear goal without the pressure of elite-level distances. Following their championship success, Tarik is enjoying a well-deserved break in the field.

Rachel now hopes her journey will inspire local riders across Nottinghamshire to explore endurance riding.