Friends hope for spot at Badminton Horse Trials

Georgie Bell riding Obos Whats The Story at Great Witchingham International (Image: All Rights Reserved mark@redeyepicture.com +44(0)7720837406)

Obos Whats The Story - a dark bay Irish sports horse - has won the chance to compete at three regional qualifiers, and if he scores in the top 20pc, will win a spot at next May’s Badminton Horse Trials.

Obos, who’s stable name is Bruno, is owned by equine dentist Rachel Burton, and lives at her home in Ilketshall St Andrew.

However due to an eye injury Miss Burton has been unable to compete and has enlisted the help of her friend freelance instructor and event rider Georgie Bell, who has already won a place for her own horse Norton Renee at Badminton.

Ms Bell said: “I’m really hopeful because he’s got three chances to get through and he’s been really consistent.

“I’ve only been working with him since April but he’s really calm and obedient and he scores really well.”

At 17.2HH, Miss Bell said Bruno is like a bus to ride but because of his height is also turning a lot of heads.

She said: “He is definitely the hardest horse I ride, not because he is difficult but because he is so big. It takes all my strength to steer him.

“But he’s stunning when he moves and people have really noticed him.”

Ms Bell competed on Bruno at the Great Witchingham International event last Sunday where they won their section.

At the regional qualifiers they will be required to complete a dressage test, a round of show jumping and a cross country course. The first qualifier is at Milton Keynes next month.

Miss Burton said: “He was really naughty when I got him two years ago so he has really turned a corner.

“I’m so proud of him and it will be a really good achievement if we can qualify.”

Miss Bell is also hoping to win a place at Badminton for a third horse called Puddingbag Lane.