A Bwlch equestrian has been selected to represent Wales at the Home International Endurance Championships in Scotland this weekend.

Fiona Griffiths, owner of Golden Castle Riding Stables, will compete aboard her 17-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding Warrens Hill Caszidy, known as Cid.

The championships take place from September 4 to 6 and will see Griffiths compete against riders from the other home nations.

Cid was bred by Leslie Dunn and had spent time in France away from competition before being gifted to Griffiths in early 2023. He is also a half-brother of another endurance horse, Hope.

Griffiths said she was proud to have been selected with Cid, given their record has had “a few sporadic moments”.

“He is a very nice person, though occasionally a little cheeky, and he always gives his best even when figuring things out,” she said.

The pair have been preparing across the Brecon Beacons, using the mountains behind Griffiths’ home alongside beach work at Kenfig Sands and sessions on gallops.

Recent dry weather has changed some of their training plans, with slippery ground on the hill at home meaning they have made use of the gallops.

“Looking ahead to Scotland, the main test will be the weather and adjusting to deeper going than we’ve experienced on home turf recently,” she said.

“Our priority is to ride to the conditions, stay safe, and complete strongly.”

She will be supported by her husband Brian, chief crew member Sam, vet Georgina and farrier Tee Jay.

Reflecting on her long-standing involvement in the discipline, Griffiths highlighted the ethos that drives endurance athletes.

“I have been a member for many years, and endurance is always about competing against yourself - asking how you can improve, how you can train smarter, and learning something new from every horse you ride,” she said.