FOREST-based endurance rider Cecilia Lindberg triumphed in the 100km Competitive Endurance Ride in Norfolk.

Cecilia was riding her 15-year-old Arab gelding HS Jacinto in the event at Thetford on Saturday, August 15.

Cecilia and her 15.1-hands Arabian, who is also known as Prince Jacinto, won against some of the top horse-and-rider combinations from across the country.

The event, held in the scenic forests of Norfolk, is a key fixture in the Endurance GB calendar.

Competitive Endurance Rides see all entrants start together and the first horse to cross the line is declared the winner after rigorous veterinary inspections.

Throughout the ride, combinations must pass through "vet gates," where specialised equine veterinarians check the horse’s heart rate, hydration, and soundness.

A horse must be deemed "fit to continue" at every stage, and the ultimate victory is only confirmed after a final vetting within 30 minutes of crossing the finish line.

Cecilia, who has been competing in endurance for over 30 years, said:

"I was super impressed with the route this year.

“I remember it from last year as being quite stony, but the course this time was just wonderful.

Despite being flat, the terrain was incredibly varied, and we never got bored.

“The venue and organisation were outstanding, and we all loved the atmosphere—it was calm but still so exciting!

“The final vetting is always the most memorable moment.

“Having two veterinarians closely watching our final trot-up, and then seeing the smiles on their faces as we passed, was just the perfect end to the day.”

Despite his striking looks and athletic prowess, 'Prince Jacinto' is a tense and easily upset horse who, in his younger years, would scare both himself and Cecilia with his exuberant bucking and antics.

Overcoming these challenges has taken years of patient training.

Cecilia explained: “He remains a very tense horse, and it is always a struggle to persuade him to eat and drink enough on ride days.

“Everything has to be just right for him to be happy.

“But now that he is a little older and settled in his endurance career, he has become incredibly polite, obedient, and a total pleasure to ride and handle.”

Cecilia said she would encourage more riders to try the sport.

She said: “Endurance is the friendliest horse sport you can imagine. My advice to anyone thinking about getting involved is to just reach out. The community is so welcoming, and people will always help, advise, and support you.”

A spokeswoman for British Endurance said: “Cecilia’s victory is a testament to careful pacing, expert horsemanship, and a deep understanding of her horse's physiological needs.

“Endurance riding is an equestrian sport that tests the stamina, fitness, and partnership of horse and rider over marked cross-country routes ranging from 16km to 160km in a single day. “Horse welfare is the absolute core of the sport.”

Cecilia and Prince Jacinto are preparing for their next major challenge of the season: the Red Dragon festival in the Welsh mountains, which will offer a total contrast of steep, dramatic terrain compared to the flat tracks of Thetford Forest.

Endurance GB, the national governing body for the sport, offers opportunities for riders of all levels, from grassroots pleasure rides to international championships.

For more information on the sport visit www.endurancegb.co.uk