Badminton event is dream come true for Tain rider and homebred pony duo
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Horse rider Kelly Skinner felt like she was on "cloud nine" after achieving her dream of qualifying for the 2024 Grassroots Championships.
Competing at the two-day event – known as the "pinnacle" for grassroots eventers – will mark the culmination of a 16 year journey for the leisure manager from Tain as she makes her way to Badminton House in Gloucestershire this May.
Kelly's homebred pony Reagan (Reagan’s Pure Dynamite) will be ridden at the event having come through his fair share of ups and downs, as the 46-year-old attests.
"Reagan is like a cat with nine lives, and he really shouldn’t be able to do what he is doing," she said. "But it makes our journey to the Championships even more special.
"Almost nine years ago through attempted theft, he fractured his stifle, after jumping a six-bar gate in pitch-black darkness and he ended up on the A9. The road had to be closed until he was caught!
"I was holidaying in Florida at the time, and received a call from a friend who was looking after him to tell me what had happened and that he was being taken to the Dick Vet in Glasgow to be operated on.
"A five-hour journey was made and the following day they decided not to operate as the fragment had gone back into place and they felt this would heal better this way. After 10 months of box rest, they were unsure if he would ever jump again.
"Baby steps have been taken with in-hand walks and small turnout, eventually I was given the go ahead to get back on board. 18 months on from his accident, we returned to jumping and we have never looked back."
Kelly first started riding when she was seven years old, and has belted and owned Reagan for almost 17 years. Brought up around horses since birth, the chance to compete with her own home-produced pony at Badminton had become a life-long dream.
She said: "My late Grandfather, Jimmy Christie, got me into horses, and I have him to thank for the memories we created over the years owning ponies. There's nothing as special as breeding and producing your own. It is just what he would have wanted.
"Reagan has defied many odds and come through more than his fair share of injuries. He smiles the whole time he goes around the cross-country course though, and wants these achievements as much as I do."
Reagan's recovery was really put to the test when Mrs Skinner qualified for the Scottish Grassroots Eventing Festival at Blair – with a chance to qualify for the Championships at Badminton at stake.
Mrs Skinner said: "Reagan had not had a run from the April and all hands were on deck to ensure our goal of competing at Blair.
"August arrived and our entry was in. The weather wasn't kind, although that played well in our defence. Dressage was moved from the normal arena and placed on the cross-country – which was not ideal as Reagan thought he should join in with those galloping past! We ended up finishing 36 out of 36 after our dressage.
"Last year they decided to run the cross-country next with the show-jumping being jumped in reverse order. I tried not to let this play on my mind and ride him as I would any other time.
"Everyone was talking about what studs were they using and here’s me with no shoes and no studs to give the track our best shot. Reagan was foot-perfect flying round and inside the time. Only two horses that day made the time. I was super chuffed and I was now sitting in 11th position.
"On to the show-jumping and the pressure of jumping in reverse order was high. It was my turn and we went clear, double clear and inside the time, and finished in sixth place to gain qualification!
"Tears were flowing and I honestly felt on cloud nine. My wee pocket rocket had gone above and beyond, and our dreams had come true – we had that golden ticket."
Kelly credits the support of her family and friends as the catalyst for her achievement.
"We would not be where we are today without an incredible support team. My family, for not giving up on me, my farrier for her incredible efforts and advise and my physio team for keeping him comfortable throughout the years.
"I also have to thank my instructors for sticking with me, the incredible vet team for advice, treatment and support, my horsey friends for their support and encouragement and most importantly my pony of a lifetime for all the experiences along the way."
The Grassroots Championships is the pinnacle of the year for grassroots eventers who have qualified via regional events, held over the two days prior to the famous international Badminton Horse Trials. The spectacular setting of Badminton House estate in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside plays a big part in its appeal.
Kelly and Reagan will compete across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping during the two-day event from Tuesday, May 7 to Wednesday, May 8.
With the opportunity, comes a heavy cost in the form of travel and accommodation expenses.
Kelly added: "We will be away for eight days, taking two days to travel each way and stabling overnight each way. We will be camping on site so we would love some sponsorship to help with the costs.
"We'd be happy to have a trailer sign written with magnetic signs, sponsors, with signs written on jackets or numnahs. I also understand the financial crisis though, so if I have to eat beans and toast for the foreseeable then I will!
"Our goal for competing at the Grassroots Championships is to just enjoy the journey and complete the course.
"The hardest part is already done in qualifying, so anything else is a bonus."
