Rider Profile
At the young age of 16, Katherine Begley has already proven herself on the eventing circuit, she is already well established at Novice level, having placed 1st at Goring Heath JON. She was also selected to represent Wales & Borders at the 2009 JRN CCI* Championships at Weston Park on Bourne Belvedere, where they were clear XC inside the time.
Having grown up around horses, it’s hardly surprising. She’s been riding for 14 years, and is another eventer to have come up through the pony club system. “I’ve been part of all the pony club teams since I can remember, which I think has helped me with my eventing – I’ve had a well rounded training system through the pony club.” It shows in her results – Katherine started eventing at the tender age of 7, and placed 8th in her first open 3'6"one day event at 12, riding a 14.2 pony. “William gave me some of the best years of my life, and taught me so much. Especially how to sit tight and ride forwards! He also gave me my first taste of success when we won a Pony Club intermediate one day event together! I will never forget him!” Since then, she has gone on to achieve a host of top 10 finishes at pony club events, including three wins - Katherine has qualified for the Pony Club Eventing championships in 2007 and 2008.
Having grown up around horses, it’s hardly surprising. She’s been riding for 14 years, and is another eventer to have come up through the pony club system. “I’ve been part of all the pony club teams since I can remember, which I think has helped me with my eventing – I’ve had a well rounded training system through the pony club.” It shows in her results – Katherine started eventing at the tender age of 7, and placed 8th in her first open 3'6"one day event at 12, riding a 14.2 pony. “William gave me some of the best years of my life, and taught me so much. Especially how to sit tight and ride forwards! He also gave me my first taste of success when we won a Pony Club intermediate one day event together! I will never forget him!” Since then, she has gone on to achieve a host of top 10 finishes at pony club events, including three wins - Katherine has qualified for the Pony Club Eventing championships in 2007 and 2008.
Why horses? “I have been around them all my life (my mother used to event) so it was a natural progression. Also because I love creating that bond with a horse, and that amazing feeling when it all comes together.’’
Biggest horsey bug bear? "People who are rude and impatient with event organisers at the end of a very long day."
Worst horsey habit? "De-scabbing my horses, I want them to be perfect. Scabs and flaky skin are not allowed!!!’’
If not horses what? "As a hobby I love mountaineering, mountain biking and skiing. But as a career, I have no idea!’’
What could you not live without? "My mum, who drives me all over the country to my events, and always supports me now matter how angry and upset I get’’
Biggest horsey bug bear? "People who are rude and impatient with event organisers at the end of a very long day."
Worst horsey habit? "De-scabbing my horses, I want them to be perfect. Scabs and flaky skin are not allowed!!!’’
If not horses what? "As a hobby I love mountaineering, mountain biking and skiing. But as a career, I have no idea!’’
What could you not live without? "My mum, who drives me all over the country to my events, and always supports me now matter how angry and upset I get’’
Aim for 2010: Re-Selected for JRN CCIJ* Championships, and compete at BE Intermediate/CIC** level.
Profile Courtesy of Laura Keeley