The British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company’s Red Dragon Festival of Endurance took place at The Royal Showground in Builth Wells between 26th to 28th September. This popular event draws endurance enthusiasts from across the country and is traditionally one of the final endurance challenges of the season. Riders have the unique opportunity to traverse the stunning Cambrian mountains, making for an unforgettable atmosphere and spectacular riding experience.
British Horse Feeds (BHF) and The Golden Paste Company (GPCo) have proudly sponsored the festival for over a decade. In addition to their active involvement during the event, BHF and GPCo present various prizes and maintain a stand where they have the opportunity to meet riders from across the country.
BHF and GPCo were thrilled to present awards to the winning riders and their horses. First up, the Speedi-Beet Red Dragon Award features a demanding two-day 160km CER, with riders covering 80km each day and an overnight hold. For the second consecutive year, Georgina Vaughan riding Vlacq Journeyman, claimed first place, earning the Red Dragon Cup, a 12-month supply of Speedi-Beet and a commemorative buckle. Following closely in second place was Seonaid Paterson on Tannasg Galileo, and in third place, Jessica Chrighton riding Chamfron Colorado. The Best Condition prize, sponsored by British Horse Feeds, was awarded to 16-year-old Maisie Denham and her horse, The Red Barron, who also won The Fibre-Beet Dragon’s Tail, Young Championship 124km race.
Of her winning ride, Georgina says, “To win the Speedi-Beet Red Dragon Endurance Race for a second year running was incredible. And to win the National Championship as well as picking up the Best Condition award and the best Welsh rider was truly what dreams are made of!
“This year made it three completions over the 160km distance at the Red Dragon race. Nothing is ever guaranteed with a race like this over the Welsh Mountains, but Jonty just took it in his stride once again. He actually knew which way to go, I never once had to ask him to do it, he just knew what I wanted him to do.
“He is such an incredible horse, the memories he has given me, cantering over those mountains just the two of us, are really magical. Day one the going was perfect, but on day two, the overnight rain made it very slippery and it required careful riding.
“This is our 12th season competing together and he’s just getting better all the time. Red Dragon is so special to me, not only because it is the toughest race in the UK, but it’s also our local ride, so seeing so many friendly faces out en route makes it super special.
“John and Jane Hudson do an incredible job of keeping this iconic ride on the calendar and it just keeps getting better each year!”
Maisie Denham was equally as excited to win her Best Condition prize, saying, “I was aiming to get round safe and sound, so to finish 4th in the Fibre-Beet Dragon’s Tail and then win the Young Rider Championships was amazing. Noddy loves riding across the hills and at only 13.2hh takes on the challenge of keeping up with the bigger horses. I would like to thank all the sponsors for their very generous sponsorship of the classes at Red Dragon and the National Championships.”
The Eskalibar Shield for the winner of The British Horse Feeds’ Little Dragon, a one-day 80km CER, was won by Wendy Everson riding a home-bred mare Dizzy Miss Lizzy – they took home a 12-month supply of Speedi-Beet along with a commemorative slate.
“Winning a class at the Red Dragon has been absolutely unbelievable, and to win a year’s supply of Speedi-Beet as the first prize is just fantastic! Back when I had my first pony, Duke, in 1975, we were feeding oats, barley, and sugary molasses beet. Thankfully, feed has come a long way since then! Now, with all my horses, from my endurance mare Lizzy to my new young ‘good doer,’ I rely on Speedi-Beet for its high fibre and low sugar content – it’s been my ‘go-to’ for years for everything from re-hydration on race days to maintaining a healthy weight. If it wasn’t for modern, improved feeds from companies like British Horse Feeds, we might still be stuck feeding like it’s the 70s!”
Jane Brunton riding Tiffany’s Silver Shadow won The Open National Championships, whilst Eva Reichardt riding JT Roulette took home the first prize in the Novice Championships. In the Novice Novice Championships, Sophie Dickinson riding Greyant Isar won first place honours, whilst Alexandra Embiricos riding Cru Bourgeois won the Foundation Championships.
Congratulations to David Golledge, proudly awarded Best Crew Member and presented with a commemorative trophy and a branded BHF and GPCo coat in recognition of his outstanding dedication and performance.
Branca Gebbie, British Horse Feeds and Golden Paste Company Business and Trade Manager, said of the event: “We are so honoured to sponsor The Red Dragon Festival of Endurance, a partnership we have cherished for over a decade.
“This event, impeccably managed by John and Jane, is one of the highlights of our annual calendar, set in a stunning location, showcasing incredible national talent. Thanks go to the crew members and the organisers, whose combined effort makes the event run so smoothly. And of course, thanks to the riders and their horses, who invest such time and effort in their preparation. We hope that the British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company products make that preparation easy and enjoyable. We look forward to seeing competitors at the 2026 edition and wish everyone a wonderful rest of their year.”
John Hudson, co-organiser of the event with his wife Jane said: “Jane and I are extremely grateful to British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company for their support once again, in their 13th year of sponsorship. Their support is absolutely invaluable and the event would be a shadow of its current self without it.
“I wish to say a big thank you to the incredible volunteers, showground staff, on-site hotel staff, the Trail Riders Fellowship motorbike riders and members of Endurance GB, as well as family and friends, who offered their support during the 10-day setup and event itself. The weather, coupled with the best going under hoof we’ve seen in our 15 years, made for an excellent three days’ riding and an unforgettable occasion.
“It is our pleasure and privilege to run such an iconic endurance event in Endurance GB’s calendar, in memory of our dear friend, and previous event organiser Pat Conn. We are already looking forward to next year!”
To find out more about endurance riding and future events, visit Endurance GB here