ENDURANCE rider Jo Chisholm from Lydford and her 21 year-old pure Arab gelding Grey Medlar are no strangers to winning trophies at their sport of endurance riding, but to be still beating off the younger opposition at the age of 21 is quite unusual in the equine sport world.  

At the recent Endurance GB South West annual meeting and awards dinner, Grey Medlar scooped several of the major trophies: the Anwar Arabians Challenge trophy for the overall Arab champion and the Jigsaw Puzzle Veteran horse trophy and also the combination came second in the Yakamin Trophy for the overall South West champion.  This along with the fact that he has now reached his 6400 km milestone makes Grey Medlar quite a legend in the sport. 2012 will see him competing in his 15th season, this time with Jo's daughter Abby on board.

'It will give the old boy an easier time with a lighter rider,' said Jo.  'Until he decides he is ready to retire, he will just keep on going. Abby will compete him but I have to ride him at home while she is at Duchy College, as he can be a bit naughty at home when he is feeling well, the odd buck and attempt to take off with me is quite common, but I am fairly wise to his little tricks after all the years and miles we have spent together!  Abby says we are like an old married couple.'

To find out more about Endurance riding see http://www.endurancegbsouthwest.com">www.endurancegbsouthwest.com