Equestrian: Roxanne hungry for more success


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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Grimsby Telegraph
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THE experience of competing at an event featuring more than 1,400 others has left showjumper Roxanne Hennebery determined for more.

As reported, the 23-year-old qualified for Scope – the annual British Showjumping Festival – and competed alongside 200 others.

Hennebery, from Humberston, did not even expect to reach the prestigious festival as she had only four months practicing with horse Brighton Boy in the discipline at the time she qualified.

She had previously performed dressage, and many deemed her horse "unrideable" when she first met him a year ago.

However, after experiencing Scope for the first time, and enjoying relative success despite not placing in four events, Hennebery now has her sights set even higher.

She said: "It was a fantastic experience – if someone would have said to me a year ago I would be at Scope with Brighton Boy one year later, I would have laughed because of his issues when he first came to me.

"We got the opportunity to ride and jump a course of fences in the main championship arena and we went clear which was brilliant.

"We jumped a few more times outside on grass and although we didn't get placed, just to be there jumping was great for us and hopefully next year – now we know what it's all about – we can hopefully aim for a place."

It was the first time Hennebery and Brighton Boy had competed away from home.

And the former Weelsby Road Riding School rider was in fine company, mixing in with many professionals.

She said: "There was over 1,400 horses there, and riders, some of which were professionals that I watch on TV, so to actually be there with them was brilliant – and a bit surreal, really.

"I hope to qualify to go again next year, and I'm also aiming for the Amateur Championships at Aintree in February.

"It's all new to us. I'm very much used to doing dressage, but I am loving every minute.

"I'm so pleased Brighton Boy is with me.

"At least he is doing something he enjoys now, and the bond we have is amazing – he's such a special boy."

Roxanne is appealing for sponsorship to enable her to compete at more top quality events, offering good exposure.

To help, contact her by email on r.hennebery@googlemail.com