A 63-year-old rider from Cheltenham and her 18-year-old horse proved that age is just a number after winning a demanding 64km endurance race at the recent Shuckburgh Hall Endurance Ride in Northamptonshire.
Janice Cockley-Adams and her experienced horse HS Echo took victory in the 64km Competitive Endurance Ride (CER) at the event, which formed part of Endurance GB’s Silver Anniversary Ride Series celebrating 25 years of the organisation. The ride also attracted record entries, with competitors travelling from across the country to take part.
For Janice, the win carried extra emotion after suffering a broken leg last year, which forced her to take a lengthy break from riding.
“I was very emotional,” she said. “I broke my leg last year so had a forced year off and hadn’t done as much as I would have liked in preparation. However, my leg held up, and Echo was there for me.
“It felt so good to be back out there again doing a CER which we both love doing. To win was the icing on the cake.”
Endurance riding is a long-distance equestrian sport where horse and rider combinations tackle marked routes across countryside and tracks, with veterinary checks throughout the day to ensure the horses remain fit and healthy.
Janice has now clocked up more than 14,000km of competitive riding since starting in the sport in 1992, while Echo’s lifetime competition distance is now well beyond 3,500km.
Despite Echo being 18 years old, Janice says careful management and routine are key to keeping him happy and performing at a high level.
“He goes out with his family every day and has plenty of rest as part of his training to ensure he has time to recover and stay strong,” she explained.
“When I have time off at the same time as my husband he comes out on my younger horse, so Echo has a training buddy for sessions on the gallops.
“Last of all, as anyone who has a grey as white as Echo knows, they love to roll so he gets lots of attention when being groomed.”
Janice believes endurance riding appeals to such a wide range of people because it combines adventure, horsemanship and personal achievement.
“You have the nutrition and feeding aspects, training, aftercare and distances which go from shorter pleasure rides to more competitive distances,” she said.
“What could be more exciting and thrilling than to win? Every time you cross the line, to finish is to win.”
Asked what keeps her motivated after decades in the sport, Janice’s answer was simple.
“It’s easy to be motivated when you love doing something,” she said.
“All rides are new experiences, you see some of the same faces and make new friends, but each ride is different and that keeps it fresh.”
And for anyone who thinks they might be too old to try something new?
“If you never try, you’ll never know and life is for living,” she said. “You’re too long dead so why not.”