Mole Valley congratulates Badminton grassroots rider

Mole Valley Farmers is delighted that eventer Vicky Smith, who it sponsors, came twelfth out of a total of 88 riders, when she competed in the prestigious BE100 class at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Grassroots Championships, Gloucester, on 6th May 2015.

This event offers a unique opportunity for amateur riders to compete on Badminton’s hallowed turf, as their eventing idols went on to do at the 4 Star Horse International Trials, which started the following day.

School teacher Vicky, from Derbyshire, gave it her all.  She and her striking, nine year old skewbald gelding Indian King, (AKA Bugsy) scored well in dressage, and pulled off double clears in both the show jumping and cross country phases. In fact she had one of the fastest cross country times of the day. Vicky, who trains regularly with Richard Carruthers says: “Bugsy was amazing! His dressage was good, although it’s not a phase he finds easy, I was pleased with his test. 

The show jumping was a big course but Kitty King [an international event rider who is also sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers] was on hand to help me warm up, which was a great help, and subsequently we jumped a super clear round. “

Vicky continued: “The cross country course was tough and by the time I set off plenty of rain had fallen and the ground was slippery.  However Bugsy coped really well and stormed round, with one of the fastest times of the day!  We improved our position and performance considerably from 2014, and I really couldn’t have been more pleased.”

Julie Edwards, Head of Agricultural Marketing and Corporate Communications at Mole Valley Farmer said: “Congratulations to Vicky, who had a great result with twelfth place in a large class.  She manages to balance a demanding, full time job with the 24/7 commitment of competing at this level, which takes grit and perseverance, but she also has real talent.  We would also like to thank Kitty King, who has trained and mentored Vicky over the last 12 months.”

Picture: Courtesy of Gus Winterman Blackheart Imagery

For more information about Mole Valley Farmers visit www.molevalleyfarmers.com