Langhorne qualifies for Badminton eventing finals

Formerly known as the Grassroots Championships, the Mitsubishi Motors Cup offers amateur riders from all over the country the opportunity to qualify throughout the eventing season for these finals.

Celebrating 25 years of sponsorship, the winner’s prize includes a brand new Mitsubishi vehicle of their choice for a year.

Langhorne will ride ten-year-old thoroughbred Howard, who stands at 16 hands and was bred for racing.

They qualified for the Badminton finals at Solihull Horse Trials last August. The pair have been competing together since 2012 when Howard, known as Ginge at home, tagged along as her third ride jumping in the BE80 class. Since then they have had more than 20 outings, gaining confidence and prizes along the way.

“Howard has exceeded all expectations,” said Luanghorne. “But has been very hard work. He’s pretty good at dressage but can get excited. He’s careful in the showjumping phase, has only faulted twice, and is very consistent cross-country. But he was a slow starter!”

Olympic dressage rider Vicki Thompson-Winfield, an old school friend who is based at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre, trains Langhorne and her horses in that discipline, while Nick Brown provides support in the showjumping phase with extra help from Caroline Jeanne and Gavin Schofield, the equine osteopath.

“Lulu is a clever girl!” said proud Mum, Nan Langhorne. “She has had to work very hard to get this horse where he is. She started riding her brother’s pony, Lavender, when she was minute! Then she moved on to her sister’s retired event horse and competed at Pony Club level.

“In 1998 she rode her American Quarter Horse, Robbo, at the National Junior Championships at Windsor Great Park.

“Lulu has always ridden and has never wanted to do anything else. Despite a few tumbles and a broken neck at one point, her heart lies with eventing.”

Having gained a teaching qualification, Langhorne has run a riding school at home since 1990. Ponies’n’Kids specialises in matching children with suitable ponies.

Twice a year residential and day camps are held with accommodation provided in tents. And twice a year shows are held, with the proceeds going to the Brooke Hospital equine charity.

Langhorne added: “Last year I walked the cross-country course at Badminton and thought it looked nice, but I didn’t dream I would be riding there this year!

“I’m looking forward to riding the dressage test in the long arena - it’s much easier than riding in a short arena. Hopefully Howard won’t ‘blow up’ during the dressage phase. I’d be disappointed if we weren’t placed. I think we have as good a chance as anyone”.

“I bought Howard for £100 as a three-year-old, potentially for my daughter to ride,” said his owner, Della Keighley. “Now I’m very thrilled and proud of him!”

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