Daring riders take on bareback hunting challenge
Two riders are taking on a daring hunting challenge to raise funds for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
Georgie Wagstaffe and Sophie Cripps will be riding bareback with the Pytchley Hunt on 5 March armed with strong neck straps.
The pair plan to change horses at the same time as field-master Will Spencer and their second mounts will be wearing saddles.
“The Air Ambulance service is absolutely invaluable and we both felt we wanted to do something in aid of the fantastic work they do,” Sophie told H&H.
“We wanted to do something a bit different – so, why not go hunting bareback?
“We will both try our hardest to keep our horses between us and the ground throughout the morning. We might be having strong words with Will if he has not changed horses by 2pm.”
Sophie and Georgie will be riding their two “old-timers” — Apollo, a 14-year-old Irish sport horse and Henley, a 15-year-old Irish draught cross thoroughbred.
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“Henley is a wonderful bold hunter who loves his job,” said Sophie. “Apollo is also a fantastic hunter who is incredibly bold, however, he does have his moments!”
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Georgie and Sophie have been practising riding bareback at home and plan to have a jump in a manege without saddles in preparation.
“Georgie has an old shoulder injury from a fall she had team chasing last year so is reluctant to do any more damage,” added Sophie.
“We have both managed to avoid paying £5 to the Pytchley Tumblers Club so far this season.”
For more information visit: https://www.justgiving.com/georgieandsophie
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.