The Adventure of a Lifetime
Philippa Verry has recently achieved sporting success in the field of Endurance riding representing England
We first met Philippa Verry in 2022, when the talented rider was going from strength to strength in the field of Endurance riding with her beloved horse, Stilton. Read Philippa's story from 2022 - Riding High and Feeling Great
The rollercoaster ride has continued and, in August 2024, Philippa and Stilton were part of the England endurance team at this year’s home international in Kilkenny, Ireland, bringing home the ultimate prize.
Here’s Philippa’s inspiring story – in her own words: -
“What an honour to be on the England Endurance team, at this year’s home international in Kilkenny.
The adventure began with the excitement of travelling abroad with a team of 12 horses.
Although Stilton was born in Waterford, Ireland; so would have travelled by sea before, it was certainly a new experience for me. He handled it like a pro, despite many hours in the trailer. I handled it.
We were asked to represent England in the 80km race ride and, this being Stilton’s first race ride, we set off with nervous excitement (for the non-horsey among you, Stilton has taken part in other 80km rides but these have been graded, rather than competitive races). Only advanced level horses are allowed to compete in the race ride, and Stilton was one of five advanced horses on the team.
The team spirit was a pleasure to be part of and we all bonded really well despite the fact that many of us had never met before.
I was the only rider with a difference – not that any of us gave that any thought; I’ve never wanted to be a para rider, just to succeed and be the best, competing with the best. There were no special concessions and I didn’t want or expect any.
Stilton was in top condition and handled the course well
Before we went to Ireland we didn’t do any specific preparation. Our location near Exmoor is the perfect training ground and access to a 5 mile beach for galloping keeps Stilton in tip top condition. Stilton He also takes part regularly in competitions, all this ensured he was at the peak of fitness for the home international.
The course was very tough, with gruelling ditches in dark woods, and the ground very challenging in places but Stilton still handled it like a trooper settling in well with other team mates’ horses of a different class on the same course.
It’s impossible to describe how immensely proud I am of Stilton. After passing four vetting stages along the way he finished third in his class, happy and sound – England’s first team horse home, contributing to our win.
Just towards the finish we slowed to a walk, to bring down Stilton’s heart rate – until I heard the frantic call ‘You’ve only got two minutes, till you’re out of time!’
We belted to the finish line, with people cheering us all the way. We did it, our first race ride, not just finishing but getting 3rd place and making a contribution to the England team winning the trophy. I’ll be on quite a buzz from this for a while!”
Heartfelt thanks – for an amazing adventure
“This amazing achievement was all made possible by the fantastic support of everyone involved – and I thank every one of them: -
My husband John Verry backed me all the way, putting up with everlasting preparations; while my special friend Kerrie Bartlett crewed for me and managed to survive six days in my company – medal in the post.
Our incredible senior management team, Bella Fricker, our chef d’equipe and her deputy Shez Hides handled every glitch brilliantly and kept morale high.
Rob Jackson our team vet prepared Stilton for vetting with perfection and our lovely team physio, Sarah Light, worked on Stilton, enabling him to present probably the best trot-ups at a competition of this level that he has ever done.
Janet and Stuart Bowes kept us all fed and watered – and, more importantly, coffee-ed!!
I would like to thank the rest of my team mates and their incredible crew. I’m sure that all the people and horses I’ve mentioned here were what led England to win the home international and bring the trophy home. This is only the sixth time England has won – so we’re all feeling pretty pleased with ourselves.”
