Emma Rees

My story begins whilst sitting in macmillan Renton unit in Hereford hospital hooked up to my regular dose of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. I wasn’t really looking to buy a horse but my very close friend sent me a picture of a beautiful skewbald young horse called Bombay Regal Heir. She sent him to me to cheer me up and thought I’d like him and knew I needed a boost as I was struggling with the chemo at the time and felt I needed something to aim for.
I fell in love at first sight, got on the phone and knew he’d be a popular one so offered to put down money to secure first viewing. I travelled to see him as soon as the chemo wore off and he took my breath away !
He wasnt all plain sailing and there were many challenges in the beginning but anyone that knows me knows I like the quirky ones they keep you on your toes. Deposit was put down and he was mine ????
In his year with me he’s literally become my world and my therapy , and made so many dreams come true
Qualifying for RIHS, supreme ridden at the Royal Welsh Show – my on the doorstep show where I had so much support and wasn’t expecting anything other than a nice photo but to my amazement in 2023 he won and that feeling will be with me forever

This year I’ve struggled more with the chemo at times so friends and family have stepped up to help me more and some shows I’ve managed to ride, some I’ve not hes been expertly piloted and taken everyone in the ring with ease. He has had many high placings and then at chaps championships literally made me cry with hysterical joy as him and sophia chambers (who rode him to perfection) qualified for hoys – the arena of dreams
I’ve never been happier and feel so privileged to say he’s mine and that ill be riding him in that ring on the Sunday afternoon
But genuinely none of this would be possible without my amazing support network and Arnie himself who owes me nothing and I owe everything too
He is truly a one in a million horse who until this week has no idea what’s about to happen and has been enjoying down time in the field with his bestie

Bucket list – tick (thanks Arnie xx)