MOTHER OF TWO REDISCOVERS HER MOJO

JANE VALENTINE celebrated a first win at Eland Lodge (2), where she topped a BE80(T) with her own eight-year-old gelding, Dollar Oats (Oatis, pictured).

“I’ve been eventing for about 10 years, but had a break to have two children,” explained Jane, who admits that it took a while to regain her confidence over solid obstacles. “I have Tyler Cassells to thank — he’s the one who got me enjoying cross-country again.”

Jane also works three days a week as an accountant.

“It’s a tight squeeze fitting it all in,” she said. “I’ve been reading everyone else’s inspiring stories [on this page] for years and always hoped one day I’d be able to feature.”

CHANCE PURCHASE COMES GOOD

THE best partners are often found in unlikely places, as teaching assistant Carrie

Eve discovered when her “unplanned purchase” won a BE90 section at the Tigga’s Saddlery and The Norfolk Lighting Company-sponsored Great Witchingham (2).

She found Ferdy III (Ron) by chance two years ago.

“I was exercising him for his previous owner when my horse was off injured,” explained Carrie. “I liked him so much that when he was put up for sale I scraped together enough money to buy him. He had previously only showjumped, but I schooled him over the winter and started eventing this year.”

So far this season, the pair have an unblemished record in both jumping phases.

“Ron will have a holiday now, and then my aim is to qualify him for next year’s Mitsubishi Motors Cup,” said Carrie.