TEENAGE eventer Chelsea Pearce is relieved that she has plenty of experience riding animals with four legs as she prepares to tackle a left-field challenge next week.
The 16-year-old, from Shalborune, near Marlborough, will be swapping a horse for a camel as one of nine riders taking part in the William Hill Camel Derby at Chepstow on Wednesday September 30.
The likes of top national hunt jockey Sam Twiston-Davies and model Lystra Adams will be vying for humpback glory across three qualifying heats and a final next week, all to raise money for Bristol-based charity Paul’s Place, which supports adults with physical, sensory and cognitive impairments.
“I applied to take part at Cheltenham Festival back in March but I didn’t realise that it would be on a camel and not a horse,” said Pearce, who has twice represented Great Britain at the European Pony Championships.
“I went up to Warwickshire to practice and it was a bit different. I think I’m lucky that I’m used to riding but getting on and off is interesting.
“It should be fun and I’m looking forward to it.”
Last Sunday, Pearce, who made the step up to horses from ponies this year, completed her first intermediate event, finishing second in the Open Intermediate U21 category at Pontispool on Albert VI.
To sponsor the youngster ahead of next week's race, visit: www.justgiving.com/Chelsea-Pearce/
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