An Okehampton rider often spotted out training has been selected to represent England at the Home International endurance competition – 30 years after she first crewed for another rider.

Judy Holloway, a farmer’s wife who jokes she would like to retire, will travel to Scotland with her 15-year-old homebred Crabbet Arabian mare Rabbalina, whose stable name is Midge, for the competition set to take place from September 5-6. The pair will tackle a challenging long-distance course, putting their fitness, stamina and partnership to the test against top riders from across the UK.

She said: "I am very honoured to have been selected. Midge is definitely a one-person pony, and I am very honoured to be riding her. We will aim to ride as we normally do, within my equine partner's limits and try to conserve her energy. It’s a long way to travel, so we have to be mindful of that. [Midge is] very easy-going, as long as it’s going her way.”

Judy and Midge are a familiar sight in the area exploring the local countryside and using the varied bridleways, forestry and farmland around their Okehampton home and venturing onto Dartmoor for longer rides.

Judy started her journey 30 years ago when she helped to crew for another rider, and is passionate about encouraging others to get involved.

She said: "It all began by helping to crew someone, then I had a few rides and have never looked back. I would encourage anyone to have a go. It's such a friendly sport and we get to ride in the most varied countryside, so what's not to like?"

Judy has had a strong support network throughout her training and credited her husband, VJ, as her "trusty crew," adding, "I could not have achieved anything without his constant support in all of my endurance adventures."

Endurance is a sport that tests the speed and stamina of a horse and rider combination over a marked, cross-country route. Horse welfare is the highest priority, with stringent veterinary checks before, during, and after the ride. To qualify, horses must pass inspections where their heart rate, soundness and overall condition are carefully assessed, proving they are fit and ready to continue. Success is about more than just speed and requires exceptional horsemanship, careful preparation, and a strong partnership between horse and rider.

The Home International endurance competition is organised by Endurance GB, the governing body for endurance riding in Great Britain. The organisation promotes, develops and regulates the sport as well as working to ensure high standards of horse welfare, safety and fair competition.

This year’s chef d-equipe (team manager) for the endurance riding squad is also an Okehampton local. Jo Chisholm, who runs the Dartmoor Inn with her family, was named as the squad’s team leader in April and has 40 years of experience in the sport, racking up more than 17,000km of competitive riding.