ABBY Chisholm, an endurance rider from Lydford, on her diminutive pony Diana of Court, achieved her ambition of completing the gruelling two day, 100 mile class at the 50th Golden Horseshoe on Exmoor earlier this month.

Although Abby, aged 19, and Diana, a feisty 17 year old 13.2hh part bred Arab, were close to the gold standard speed, they were given a final award of bronze for their efforts.

The Golden Horseshoe is one of the toughest endurance rides in the country due to the tough, hilly terrain and often adverse weather conditions – and this year was no exception with the route following wooded combes, open moorland and along stony bridleways, going as far south as the valleys of Dulverton and as far north as Porlock.

Coupled with the cold, wet and windy weather on the first day and the second not faring much better with some hail showers thrown in, this challenged both riders, crews and officials alike, battling the wind at the Exford Showground where the ride was based.