Surrey endurance rider completes 160km international race

Surrey-based endurance rider Alice Ingram defied the odds when she successfully completed the CEI3 160km international race at Thetford Endurance – just six months after giving birth to her second child.

Riding her trusted French-bred gelding Best Off Du Vallois (‘Herbie’) on Saturday, August 16, Alice was the only Brit in the race and crossed the finish line to secure the pair’s fourth consecutive CEI3 completion.

placeholder image — Surrey-based endurance rider Alice Ingram defied the odds when she successfully completed the CEI3 160km international race at Thetford Endurance – just six months after giving birth to her second child. Pictures contributed

Remarkably, the combination presented under two minutes at every vet gate, demonstrating Herbie’s exceptional recovery and Alice’s dedicated preparation.

“160km is a bloody long way, but Herbie and I have been through so much together that I knew if anyone was going to do this with me it would be him. And yet again, he gave me his all. I adore this horse,” said Alice.

Riding her trusted French-bred gelding Best Off Du Vallois (‘Herbie’), Alice was the only Brit in the race and crossed the finish line to secure the pair’s fourth consecutive CEI3 completion

Alice first took up endurance in 1997 and has gone on to represent Great Britain at both European and World Championship level.

Her husband Harry Ingram is also an accomplished endurance rider, with both husband and wife proudly donning the GBR colours on the international stage.

Alongside her competitive career and young family, Alice runs her own successful equestrian business, Equiverse Pro, the official UK distributor of leading equestrian brands such as Setzi, Burioni and Equitime.

Thetford Endurance – formerly known as Rushford Endurance – returned for 2025 under new organisers Anna Bridges and Lauren Hirst, themselves experienced endurance riders.

The route showcased the stunning Norfolk/Suffolk border countryside, winding through the Rushford and Shadwell Estates with sandy tracks, grassy headlands and river crossings providing a true test for horse and rider.

Alice added: “From the volunteers and organisers, to my incredible crew, family and friends, this was a real team effort. Endurance may look like an individual sport, but it takes a village – and I’m so grateful for mine.”

Alice’s achievement not only underlines her grit as an athlete but also shines a light on the strength of British endurance on the international stage.

Alice and Best Off are now qualified for the World Championships which will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2026.

For more information on endurance riding and how to get involved, visit www.endurancegb.co.uk.