Horse rider Susy Rossi enjoys success on the continent

A rider from Out Rawcliffe is celebrating a major international achievement after finishing in the top 10 at a prestigious long-distance horse riding event in Portugal.

Susy Rossi, who has been involved in endurance riding since 2013, partnered with her eight-year-old horse Iahmon Hipolyte – known at home as Loni – to complete the 100km race at Fronteira at an impressive average speed of 18.31km/h.

The result marks a significant step up for the pair, with Loni competing in only his second international event at this level.

It was also an emotional one for the rider as it follows a difficult start to the year as she recently lost two of her much-loved horses.

“It honestly means a huge amount,” said Rossi, whi. “This is the first time I’ve smiled – and cried with happiness, not grief – in the last couple of months. To come away with a top 10 feels really special.”

Despite the strong finish, Rossi admits she went into the competition simply hoping for a successful completion.

“With endurance, there’s always a level of uncertainty,” she explained.

“My aim was to keep Loni happy and confident and come home with a solid result. The top 10 was a bonus.”

Endurance riding is a unique equestrian sport that combines athleticism, strategy and horse care.

Riders cover long distances across countryside, with horses undergoing regular veterinary checks throughout the event to ensure their wellbeing.

“It’s basically a long-distance ride, but with horse welfare at its absolute core,” she added.

“You only continue if your horse is fit and healthy – it’s about managing them, not just riding fast.”

Loni, who Rossi describes as having a “very French” personality, has quickly proven himself as a promising endurance horse.

“He’s a bit of a Parisian café-culture hipster who likes to do things on his terms,” she said.

“But he’s incredibly sweet and very talented. He’s naturally balanced and has a great brain, which really helps over long distances.”

The race itself required careful planning and discipline, with Rossi sticking closely to a strategy set by her training team in Portugal.“

My job was to ride to the plan and not get carried away,” she said.

“He finished feeling super fresh, which is exactly what we wanted.”

For Rossi, the appeal of endurance riding lies in the partnership it builds between horse and rider.