Combined Training Qualifiers: journeys of determination

As the 2025 Red Gorilla Combined Training qualifiers have drawn to a close, we caught up with three inspiring riders who with their wonderful equine partners have earned their tickets to the Championships, which is fast approaching at Weston Lawns Equestrian (10–11 May). 

Pictured above Teri England aboard Harlow Carr © Tina Walker

After a journey that has tested her resilience, Teri England’s achievements at Northallerton Equestrian Centre were all the more remarkable. Competing with her two horses, Teri claimed three impressive wins across the Elementary & 80cm and 90cm Combined Training classes aboard Coady Bay Logic, as well as the Novice & 80cm with Harlow Carr.

Teri’s reaction to her results was one of disbelief and pride. “I was flabbergasted! ... it was a bit emotional for me – I’d done it. I could still do what I love.”

Both horses jumped two clear rounds – a particularly special milestone given it was Teri’s first time jumping since undergoing major surgery in September 2024. “I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be brave enough to ride again,” she admits. Following an eight-hour robotic procedure to treat cancer, Teri had to turn the horses away and focus on a 12-week recovery programme. Her body felt more vulnerable, especially to a fall, and she described feeling as though her core strength had vanished. “But my medical team kept telling me how well I’d recovered – probably because I was fit beforehand and determined to get back. And I really missed my horses.”

Setting her sights on the Combined Training series gave her a positive focus. “I chose to do the Combined Training to see if I could still do what I loved,” she explained. “It fell on a date when we were all ready and fit enough – well, the horses were! – and it became my first competition with my new, changed body and appendage. I also need something to aim for, so the Combined Training ticked that box.”

The team at Northallerton helped make the return extra special. “The Northallerton team are so friendly. They make you feel at ease to enjoy the day – and that’s so important!”

Teri’s journey with her two horses has spanned a decade, marked by ups, downs and a few heartfelt reunions. “I actually sold Logic, but shortly after, he broke his splint bone in a cross-country accident, so he came home,” she explained. “I swore he would never leave again. Luckily, he recovered and even won his first competition back after the incident.

“Harlow Carr took me round the Badminton Grassroots Championships, but unfortunately, I had to sell him to help pay for my divorce. However, he didn’t settle in his new home and became a completely different horse, so he came home too and I said he’d never leave again either. I found the divorce money elsewhere!

“So, the boys and I are family and stuck with each other. We’ve all been on a life journey together, and they’ve helped me through the toughest time of my life to date.”

Alongside a full-time role with British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care, Teri maintains a consistent and thoughtful training routine. “I'm a big believer in listening to your horse and offering variety – hacking and training whilst hacking, as well as schooling in the arena. Stretching the horse’s body and mind is key, and good massage sessions with Hannah Drury are a must. They live out 24/7 if they can.”

She credited her ability to continue training to a team of brilliant coaches, in particular Ann Bostock for flatwork and Michael Potter for show jumping, whom she trains with regularly. Support from her close circle also made a difference. “I had my fabulous friend Liz Young and my partner, Simon Frost, holding my hand on the days my body didn’t play ball or I had a ‘life’ blip!”

Pictured above Lily Pett

Rising young rider Lily Pett enjoyed multiple wins at Ponderosa Equestrian Centre, qualifying her two ponies The Longhouse Blue Pascal (Ash) and Snabo Star (Joey) for the Combined Training Championships. The 14-year-old took first in the Intro & 60cm, first and second in Prelim 70cm, and first in Prelim & 80cm.

“I was very pleased with them both – they were really well behaved and we had an amazing day,” Lily reflected. “I’ve never had such good results with both ponies on the same day, and it was definitely worth the early start!”

Lily’s journey with her ponies has been one of hard work, learning and steady progress. “Ash has been with me for just over three and a half years. It’s been a bit of a bumpy road with highs and lows, but always enjoyable – she’s a lovely mare,” she shared. “Joey’s journey has been very special. I’ve had him for two years and learnt so much. He’s been amazing, from winning Pony Club Areas in Dressage and Eventing to coming second overall in the BD Youth Home Nations representing Wales last summer. At home he’s sweet and loving, but very nosy!”

At Ponderosa, Lily was especially pleased with how both ponies handled the new venue. “I was really happy with my dressage scores, especially Ash’s, and how well behaved they were,” she said. “I thought I wouldn't qualify Ash after having the last fence down, but I was really surprised when she came second.”

Competing at a new venue, Lily was especially proud of how both ponies coped with the atmosphere. “I was really happy with my dressage scores, especially Ash’s, and how well behaved they were,” she said. “I thought I wouldn’t qualify Ash after having the last fence down, so I was really surprised when she came second.”

Lily chose to enter the Combined Training series because it gave her the chance to bring together her two favourite disciplines. “I love doing both dressage and jumping – as do my ponies,” she explained. “It was great to try a new venue and compete against different people after a few months' break from shows.”

Behind the scenes, Lily’s success is made possible by the continued support of her family – something she doesn’t take for granted. “My dad coaches me and always has,” she said. “I ride at least four times a week, mixing in flatwork, poles and jumping. I share lessons with friends after school and have individual sessions on weekends to work on specific skills. My mum does a lot of the day-to-day looking after of the horses – I help her get them ready for shows, but she’s always the one up early mucking out before we go.”

Looking to the future, Lily said, “With Joey, I’d love to start competing at higher levels with BD later this year, and my dream is to ride at Badminton in the Grassroots Championships. With Ash, I just want to have a fun and enjoyable year and maybe look at putting her in foal next year.”

Pictured above Heather Conn and Pipers Appeal © Equicot

For Heather Conn, her long-standing partnership with Pipers Appeal (‘Pip’) made their success at Muirmill Equestrian Centre all the more rewarding. Competing in both the Elementary 80cm and 90cm classes, Heather and Pip demonstrated the depth of a bond developed over a decade.

“I’ve had Pip for 10 years,” Heather shared. Originally sourced through a local dealer after arriving from Ireland, Pip hasn’t always been straightforward, but perseverance and patience have proved invaluable. “We have a very strong partnership that we’ve developed over the years – we know each other inside out.”

It’s the balance of both elements that keeps her coming back to the Combined Training series. “I love both the dressage and the jumping – that’s why I enjoy Combined Training so much.” Although she added with a laugh, “Pip definitely prefers jumping.”

Their experience at Muirmill was a thoroughly positive one. “It’s a lovely outdoor arena for dressage and a lovely flowing showjumping course. Everyone was friendly and welcoming,” Heather said. The format suited them well, offering the chance to enjoy both disciplines in one outing. “Pip and I enjoy the challenge of having dressage and showjumping in one competition; I’d recommend giving it a go to anyone.”

Qualifying for the Championships was an especially proud moment for Heather, who balances her training with the demands of working as a full-time career. “I’m over the moon with our results, especially as I don’t have a lot of time to practise,” she reflected. She was also keen to thank her “very patient trainer,” David Wadge, for his long-term support.

Their performance at Muirmill was a testament to the strength of their partnership and the dedication behind it. “It’s an amazing opportunity to have qualified for the Championships,” Heather added. “I’m really looking forward to it.”