Blidworth-based, Amie Grainger achieved a career milestone on Saturday, August 16 when she and her horse Sheraani completed their first ever 100-mile endurance ride in a single day at Thetford Endurance.

Riding alongside Emma Martin and Victoria Davies, the trio tackled the epic 160km course together from start to finish, crossing the line at an average speed of 13.7kph. In a sport often seen as individual, their teamwork and camaraderie were celebrated by all.

Although Sheraani first tried endurance with a graded ride back in 2017, she later turned her hoof to other disciplines before returning to Amie in 2022 – the point at which her endurance career really took off. Now in their fourth season together, the pair have developed a close bond. Amie explained:

“Funnily enough, I actually backed Rani for her previous owner as a five-year-old and even completed her very first social ride on her. She came back to me at 11 and it was like we were meant to be reunited. She’s quirky but so am I, so we work well as a team and just get each other!”

placeholder image — Amie left, Emma centre, Victoria right.

Fifteen-year-old Sheraani rose to the Thetford challenge magnificently. Not only did she complete the ride, but she was also awarded Best Condition with a straight vet card of As and 1s – testament to her outstanding fitness and recovery.

“I’m so proud of my beautiful girl,” Amie said. “Completing the 160km at Thetford and winning Best Condition is just incredible. I had the most wonderful day riding with two very special ladies and their horses – thank you to Victoria and Emma for your company and well done to you both.

"It was a day of true teamwork, sportsmanship and, for us, what endurance is really about. We may all have shed a tear or two!”

Amie paid tribute to her support team, acknowledging how crucial they were to the achievement. “Endurance is not an individual sport – it needs a village, and I’m so grateful to everyone. Huge thanks to Kathy, Jo and Stu for looking after us so well, to Julie and Pauline for holding the fort at home, to Lauren, Anna and Philip for putting on such a fantastic ride, and to Daniel and Nicola for keeping my horses going strong. The support from everyone means the world.”

Amie Grainger and Sheraani on course at Thetford Endurance

Thetford Endurance, formerly known as Rushford Endurance, returned this year under the organisation of Anna Bridges and Lauren Hirst, both experienced endurance riders who also successfully ran Lavenham Endurance in June. The course wound through the scenic Rushford and Shadwell Estates on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, with sandy tracks, river crossings and grassy headlands. Despite the dry summer, the sandy soil provided excellent footing for horses throughout the day.

“The course rode beautifully,” Amie added. “There was lots of lovely, soft going underfoot despite the weather, so we could crack on over the sandy stretches and then take it steady over the flinty tracks. It was a joy to ride.”

Looking ahead, Amie hopes her story inspires others to give endurance a try:

“I would encourage anyone to get involved. It’s fun, competitive, challenging, rewarding, friendly, addictive – it takes over your life, but in the best possible way.”