Medal-winning eventers take on off-road challenge
British European gold medal-winning eventing team members Zara Phillips, Daisy Dick and Oliver Townend were joined by European individual rider Georgie Davies, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials winner William Fox-Pitt and young rider European team gold medalist Georgie Spence to celebrate their recent achievements on an off-road driving day with Land Rover.
The squad members were paired up to tackle some of the UK’s most challenging terrain behind the wheel of a Land Rover Discovery 3 in the dramatic setting of Herefordshire’s Eastnor Castle, Land Rover’s flagship Experience Centre, set in the breathtaking surroundings of the Malvern Hills.
The challenges they faced included reversing a Discovery 3 and horse trailer around a course of obstacles, driving a course blindfolded following their co-driver’s instructions and tackling the challenging off-road course, which included staircase and water obstacles, all against the clock.
Zara Phillips and Daisy Dick were pronounced the overall winners.
“It has been a great day but surprisingly mentally straining,” said Zara.” The blindfold activity was quite scary — you lose all bearings and control.”
Zara’s driving partner Daisy said: “I thought cross country in three-day eventing was pretty scary but this has certainly got the adrenaline going. It has been brilliant trying to out do each other.”
To find out more about Land Rover’s Driving Experience Centre network or to book a test drive (tel: 0800 110110) or visit: www.landrover.co.uk
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.