The ‘galloping nurse’ is making her return to eventing after 13 years, raising money for equine charities the Book and World Horse Welfare on August 18th at the West Wilts Equestrian Centre.
Jane Holderness-Roddam CBE, Olympic gold medallist and first woman to represent Britain in Olympic Eventing at the 1968 games in Mexico, will be riding veteran horse Tiger’s Eye II. Managing to study nursing while building a highly successful career in equestrianism that includes winning at the Badminton Horse Trials in 1968 and 1978 and the Burghley Horse Trials in 1976, gained Holderness-Roddam her nickname, and has since dedicated her life to helping horses.
Tiger’s Eye II, known in the stable as Bill, is 20 years old. Owned by Holderness-Roddam and Timothy Holderness-Roddam, the horse boasts an illustrious career rivaling that of the galloping nurse, competing in more than 120 national and international events and hosting a myriad of riders, including South African eventer Alex Peternell.
She credits Bill’s ability to compete at such an old age, when working equines around the world are lucky to reach a quarter of his age, to the excellent care he receives from his dedicated team. Holderness-Roddam hopes to highlight equines need for high-quality care while raising money for charities competing in mid-August, acknowledging that many communities across the world don’t have the same equine amenities available in the UK.
With the Brooke and World Horse Welfare tirelessly working to change communities limited access to veterinary medicines and training available around the world, the Brooke hopes to help two million horses, donkeys and mules by 2016. Serving as a dedicated trustee for both organizations, Holderness-Roddam is seen as a role model and inspiration to many in the equestrian community globally.
Petra Ingram, Brooke chief executive, expressed her gratitude towards Holderness-Roddam for going the “extra jump” to help raise funds for the organization, with World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Rory Owers acknowledging Jane’s pivotal role in developing the organization’s work in delivering lasting change across the full spectrum of the horse world.
“I, along with all at World Horse Welfare, will be cheering her on,” said Owers.
Source: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/07/18/eventing-legend-returns-competition-charity-event/#axzz3gSvbQmh5