Cornwall endurance rider Jessie Lethbridge, based near Liskeard, secured a superb victory on Saturday 26^th September, claiming first place in the testing Welsh Dragon 65km Competitive Endurance Ride (CER) at the British Horse Feeds Festival of Endurance. Partnering her 15-year-old Arabian gelding Mountedgcumbe Velveteen, affectionately known at home as ‘Monty’, the pair mastered the dramatic mid-Wales terrain and hills around the Begwyns and Aberedw to cross the line ahead of the field in prime condition.

Competing in the Welsh Dragon 65km CER—a race-ride format where combinations set off together and race across demanding country, subject to stringent veterinary inspections throughout, Jessie and Monty produced a flawlessly paced performance. In a Competitive Endurance Ride, placing is decided by finishing order, but only combinations whose horses pass rigorous post-ride veterinary assessments within strict heart-rate parameters receive their final qualification. Monty passed every vet gate with flying colours, demonstrating exceptional fitness and recovery after tackling 65 kilometres of rolling Welsh countryside.

Endurance riding is the ultimate test of equine fitness, pacing, and partnership. Riders navigate marked cross-country trails spanning distances from 16km pleasure rides to multi-day 160km championship tests. Horse welfare is central to the sport: every competitor must present their horse to independent veterinary panels before, during, and after the ride. To continue or complete, horses must remain sound, well-hydrated, and have a resting heart rate that drops below a set threshold (typically 64 beats per minute) within a specified time limit, ensuring horses are never pushed beyond their physical limits.

Reflecting on their winning performance across the Welsh borders, rider Jessie Lethbridge said:

“Everything about the weekend was fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Dragon ride with such glorious weather, and the ground rode beautifully. The course is challenging, but when you are out there taking in the views across the Begwyns and heading back towards the big hill from Aberedw, you realize just how lucky you are to be riding in such spectacular country.

Monty was just eating up the miles on the second loop. He definitely has his own opinions and likes things done his way, but he will give you his absolute heart and soul. We both felt that surge of adrenaline as we turned for home, and to come away with the win after a season held back by injury makes this victory so incredibly special.”

The win marks an inspiring comeback for the Cornish partnership. After an injury earlier in the year interrupted Jessie’s competitive campaign, the Festival of Endurance offered the perfect stage to showcase the enduring bond between the pair. Standing at just 14.2hh with shoes on, Monty may not be the biggest horse on course, but the spirited gelding, who Jessie first partnered through a lifelong involvement in the sport that began with pleasure rides at age eight, proved that heart, stamina, and mutual trust matter far more than height.

Jessie extended her gratitude to the team behind the event:

“A huge thank you must go to the organisers, the tireless volunteers, the veterinary teams, and British Horse Feeds. The venue was brilliantly organised and the route was immaculately marked. Endurance is such a welcoming, supportive community, everyone helps each other, and you make lifelong memories exploring corners of the countryside you’d never otherwise have the privilege to ride through.”

The pair now plan to enjoy a well-deserved winter rest in Cornwall before returning fresh for the upcoming season, aiming to tackle new competitive goals on the national endurance circuit.

Endurance GB continues to encourage riders of all backgrounds, ages, and horse breeds to experience the sport, offering structured pathways from introductory grassroots social rides right through to international championships.