‘It’s done wonders for my confidence’

#Hack1000miles challenger and SEIB/ Your Horse competition winner Louise Horwood piloted Spearmint (pictured left), her partner of six years, around Burghley. The duo was accompanied by Maxine Ansell on Zorro. Louise doesn’t have access to much hacking at home and has suffered confidence knockbacks, including being hit by a car. “Riding here has done wonders for my confidence,” says Louise. “Spearmint has COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/equine asthma] and I thought he might have to retire, but we’re managing it. “He still loves being ridden and was quite excited to be at Burghley — especially when we held back for a picture and let another horse canter on in front of us.” Louise and Spearmint are now well on their way to achieving the 300-mile milestone.