Derbyshire Teenager Hollie Brewell Celebrates Remarkable Double With Back To Back Victories
Fifteen-year-old Derbyshire equestrian Hollie Brewell has achieved an extraordinary double victory, winning the challenging three-day 160km class at the Cirencester Endurance Ride just weeks after conquering the two-day 160km class at Pembrey. Riding her super star nine-year-old Arabian gelding Cotswolds Shaquille (affectionately known as "Sharqui"), the Amber Valley-based teenager demonstrated maturity and horsemanship far beyond her years to secure top honours in hot summer conditions.
Over the three-day Cirencester event, Hollie and Sharqui tackled a demanding schedule: 64km on Day 1 (two 32km loops), 64km on Day 2 (two 32km loops), and 32km on Day 3 (two 16km loops). Despite scorching summer heat and exceptionally hard, dry ground, the pair delivered an immaculate performance to achieve a prestigious win. Crucially, they registered their lowest-ever end-vetting heart rate of just 39 beats per minute (bpm)—a testament to Sharqui's superb fitness and recovery capacity.
Endurance riding is a unique equestrian sport that tests the fitness, stamina, and partnership of horse and rider over marked off-road routes. At regular intervals, known as 'vet gates', horses must pass rigorous veterinary inspections. Veterinarians measure heart rates, metabolic signs, and soundness; if a horse does not meet strict physiological criteria or shows signs of fatigue, they are immediately withdrawn.
Reflecting on her whirlwind success, Hollie said:
"It’s still sinking in! Our goal was simply to complete the ride safely. My mum and dad always tell me that at these distances, a completion is a win and anything else is a bonus, especially as Pembrey was only at the end of May. But Sharqui had recovered so incredibly well that we decided to go for it.
"Friday was definitely the toughest day. It was the hottest day of the weekend and we had to ride the entire 64km completely alone as no one else was doing that distance. We both hit a bit of a mental block on the second loop. My mum suggested putting some music on my phone. I laughed and thought it was silly, but further down the track I changed my mind and put Harry Styles on loudspeaker! I don't know if Sharqui is a fan, but he was soon cantering along to the beat!
"To get a Grade 1 and our lowest-ever end-vetting heart rate of 39 bpm is amazing. We’d been practicing getting Sharqui to stand still at the young rider camp the week before because he’s usually such a fidget, and he stood absolutely still for all nine vettings! He’s a reflection of me—he gets bored quickly and loves his carrots, but when his energy is channelled, he gives 110%. He is the most perfect horse to explore with."
Completing and winning back-to-back 160km rides within such a short timeframe is a monumental achievement for any endurance combination, let alone a 15-year-old rider. Hollie, who started riding on a lead rein at just ten months old and joined Endurance GB (EGB) as a junior, has built an exceptional partnership with Sharqui since they paired up three years ago. Her victory highlights the incredible potential of young riders within the sport and exemplifies the dedication, training, and deep understanding required to compete at the highest distances while keeping the horse’s welfare and recovery at the forefront.
Endurance is a true team sport, and Hollie's success is shared with her dedicated crew—including her parents, who supported her through the blistering heat. Hollie also expressed deep gratitude to the event organisers, the tireless volunteers, and the veterinary panel at Cirencester who provided invaluable support and advice. Special thanks were also given to the Endurance GB development squad vet Kate Atkinson and Chef d'Equipe Katie Dickinson for their expert coaching, as well as EGB Chair Larissa West, who has been a strong supporter of Hollie's progression.
Hollie’s journey from a Welsh Section A pony to top-level Arabian endurance success embodies Endurance GB’s mission to foster horse-and-rider partnerships at all levels. "You don’t need an Arab or special tack to get started," Hollie advises. "There are so many classes and breeds, and the support within EGB is so special. You build an unbreakable bond with your horse and share spectacular trails you'd never normally see." Endurance GB offers opportunities from grassroots pleasure rides to elite international championships, united by a shared passion for equine welfare and adventure.
Following her stellar double victory, Sharqui has passed his post-event physiotherapy checks with flying colours and is now enjoying a well-deserved summer holiday in the field before the team plans their next steps for the season.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Amber Valley celebrates record nine Green Flag Awards for its parks and green spaces Amber Valley Borough Council is celebrating after achieving its highest ever number of Green Fla read more | |
| Decision On Future Of Local Government In Derby And Derbyshire Government has decided to replace 10 councils in Derby and Derbyshire with two unitary councils – one for the north read more | |
| CBeebies star Evie Pickerill joins Derby's 2026 panto Snow White Mirror, mirror on the wall, Derby Arena has the fairest pantomime cast of them all! Derby City Council's Derby LIVE read more | |
| 33 jobs secured following sale of Denby-based retail display manufacturer The sale of Derbyshire point-of-sale display manufacturer Derwent Displays out of administration has secure read more | |
| Council housing stock grows to 32 homes in Amber Valley Two years after bringing council housing back to Amber Valley for the first time in more than two decades, Amber Valley Borou read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
