Imagine a high-octane pursuit where the speed and power of a galloping horse combine with the adrenaline rush of extreme sports. Enter horseboarding, an exhilarating activity that pushes the boundaries of equestrian sports and delivers an electrifying experience for both riders and spectators alike. I got my first taste of horseboarding at the 2023 Burghley Game & Country Fair.

Horseboarding provides spectacular action – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Horseboarding – What is it?

Horseboarding is a unique fusion of horseback riding and extreme sports, where a rider is towed on a specially designed board behind a galloping horse. Derived from ancient chariot racing and water skiing, this thrilling sport has evolved into a modern phenomenon that demands skill, agility, and a fearless spirit. Whether you’re an avid equestrian seeking a new challenge or an adrenaline junkie yearning for an exhilarating adventure, horseboarding has something to offer for everyone.

Just Drag boardrider Sean slingshots out from behind Rolo – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Originating in the United Kingdom during the late 1990s, horseboarding quickly gained popularity as an alternative equestrian sport. Combining elements of horse training, balance, and board control, riders master the art of coordinating with their equine partners while manoeuvring the board on various terrains. Today, horseboarding has expanded its reach, captivating enthusiasts in different corners of the world and establishing itself as a recognised sport with international competitions and dedicated organisations.

The speed, particularly of the Elite Class, is something to behold in the sport of horseboarding – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Burghley Game & Country Fair – Sunday 28^th & Monday 29^th May 2023

Organised by Living Heritage Country Shows, the 2023 Burghley Game & Country Fair was held in the grounds of Burghley House on the Whit Bank Holiday weekend. The horseboarding element was run by Horseboarding UK and saw two rounds of competition each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The Knightmares boardrider gets down low into a turn at the Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Round 4

11 teams took part, five in the Elite class and six in the Advanced class.

Elite Class

Chill Winston – Horse Rider: ; Board Rider: Aiden Beamish; Horse:

Chill Winston – Elite Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Blues ‘N’ Twos – Horse Rider: Amy Richards; Board Rider: Ryan Roberts; Horse:

Blues N Twos – Elite Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Top N Tails – Horse Rider: Amy Richards; Board Rider: Ryan Roberts; Horse: Indy

Top N Tails – Elite Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Just Wing It – Horse Rider: ; Board Rider: ; Horse:

Just Wing It – Elite Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Dead Pigeon – Horse Rider: ; Board Rider: Aiden Beamish; Horse: Oban;

Dead Pigeon – Elite Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Advanced Class

Just Drag – Horse Rider: Emily Gray; Board Rider: Sean Mason; Horse: Rolo;

Just Drag – Advanced Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

All The Gear No Idea – Horse Rider: Leigh P; Board Rider: Nick Hewes; Horse: Kia;

All The Gear No Idea – Advanced Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Send It Siblings – Horse Rider: Fenella Walker-Harris; Board Rider: Joshua Walker-Harris; Horse:

Send It Siblings – Advanced Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair

The Knightmares – Horse Rider: Sarah; Board Rider: James ; Horse: Tinks;

The Knightmares – Advanced Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

One Trick Pony – Horse Rider: Rhian Cross; Board Rider: Rhian Bamon; Horse:

One Trick Pony – Advanced Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Place Your Betts – Horse Rider: Pip Betts; Board Rider: Joe Betts; Horse:

Place Your Betts – Advanced Class – National Horseboarding Championship 2023 – Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

Results

The team of Chill Winston dominated the Elite class over the course of the weekend, notching three wins and a second. That cemented their place at the top of the leaderboard after Round 4 of the National Horseboarding Championship 2023.

Delight on the face of Chill Winston’s rider after securing another victory at Burghley’s Game & Country Fair.

Blues ‘N’ Twos achieved one win, two seconds and a third, leaving them in second place in the championship, but still within striking distance of Chill Winston.

Amy Richards detaches the board after crossing the finish line during a Monday morning run at Burghley Game & Country Fair.

Just Drag and The Knightmares shared the spoils in the Advanced Class, each registering two victories and two seconds. That meant that Just Drag extended their lead at the top of the National Horseboarding Championship 2023. Over the course of the weekend, less than half a second split the two teams’ best times.

Sheer delight on the face of Just Drag’s Emily Gray after securing the first of two on-the-day victories on the Monday at Burghley

The Knightmares negotiate a chicane at Burghley Game & Country Fair – by Equestrian event photographer Karl Drage

It had been a great first taste of horseboarding for me, and I look forward to the next time!

GET IN TOUCH

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MORE EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION

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Karl Drage is a professional Northamptonshire-based photographer who also covers surrounding counties such as Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Rutland, Oxfordshire & Warwickshire. If you are looking for an equine photographer in the towns of Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Oundle, Corby, Peterborough, Leicester, Huntingdon, Towcester, Rugby, Daventry, Oakham or nearby, please use one of the methods on the Contact Us page to get in touch.