Posted: 1st July 2014 | Back to news feed
Here we talk to Bronte Patterson - winner of the fantastic Hickstead Derby Community VIP Competition - about her brilliant prize which saw her heading to the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting for a very special occasion.
Tell Us About The Hickstead Derby Community!
Like thousands of other equestrian fans I was one of the many who watch the Hickstead Derby each year and dream about being close to the action?
Through the Hickstead Derby Community, this year’s Equestrian.com Derby provided just that opportunity for everyone wanting to have an experience like no other, and a day I will never forget.
Held as part of the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting the Equestrian.com Derby took place on Sunday 29th June, and is one of the most iconic showjumping competitions in the world.
When I read about the Hickstead Derby Community idea I decided to buy a Polo Shirt which joined you as a member, but I never dreamed it would be me helping to present the famous Boomerang Trophy and receiving all the other fantastic prizes.
How did you feel when you found out you had won?
My first reaction was that it was a customer review about the polo shirt and what I thought about the product. When it was explained that I had won the competition, I assumed that they were pulling my leg, as I have never won a prize anything like this one!
What were you most looking forward to?
Everything! I was very excited to be helping present the Boomerang Trophy to the winner of the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby. Not many people can say they have had that honour! Staying in a fantastic hotel, being hosted in the Equestrian.com Hospitality box, there was so much to look forward to as well as the course walk with former winner, Paul Beecherm, where I picked up so many top tips. It was great to listen to what he had to say about the course and any strategies the riders might have. Then there was the shopping as well and the Equestrian.com stand.
What did winning the competition mean to you?
The experience was unforgettable and was a ‘something money can’t buy’ trip. I’m the normal plain Jane and this sort of thing just does not happen to me. It was just amazing.
Tell us a bit about yourself, where you are from and your interest in horses?
I’m from Ellon, Aberdeenshire and I currently work at Aberdeen airport after finishing my degree in Rural Business Management at the Scottish Agriculture College.
Horses have always been a part of my life and I got my first horse, Boxer, a 15hh gelding when I was 14-years-old. I now own two horses, Bailey a 17.2hh gelding and Dexter a 15hh Gelding, who I have competed with at national level in the British Riding Clubs Championships at Lincoln in 2008 and 2013.
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