Nine-year-old Betty Musgrave has only been riding for 18 months, but she’s already trail-hunting with the grown-ups, and loving every minute of it!
If you think you need years of riding lessons before you can gallop across the countryside and jump ditches, think again. Betty Musgrave and her 12hh Welsh Section A pony, Valentine, are proving that confidence, enthusiasm, and lots of practice can take you further than you ever imagined.
At just nine years old, Betty is a regular with the Badsworth, Bramham, York South hunt in England. But here’s the amazing part – she’s only been riding for 18 months! And she’s doing it all bareback, in a headcollar and lead rope.
What is Trail-Hunting?
Before we go any further, let’s explain what trail-hunting actually is, because it’s not about chasing animals!
Trail-hunting is when riders follow a scent trail that’s been laid across the countryside beforehand. Someone walks or rides the route earlier in the day, dragging a scent (usually made from animal-based scent or special oils) along the ground. The hounds then follow this scent trail, and the riders gallop along behind them.
Think of it like a treasure hunt on horseback! The route includes jumps like hedges, ditches, and logs, which makes it exciting and challenging. Trail-hunting is all about:
- Riding across beautiful countryside
- Jumping natural obstacles
- Following the hounds as they track the scent
- Being part of a riding community
- Experiencing the thrill of galloping in the open
It’s a sport that tests your riding skills, your pony’s bravery, and your ability to think quickly when you’re moving fast across varied terrain. No animals are hunted; it’s purely about the ride and the challenge!
Valentine: the sassy little superstar
Valentine, or ‘little Val’ as Betty’s mum Stella calls her, joined the family last October. The Welsh Section A mare might be small, but she’s got a big personality.
“Valentine is just brilliant,” Stella told Horse & Hound magazine. “She can be very sassy but she’s really good out hunting.”
Betty and Val go out trail-hunting as many weekends as they can, usually staying at the back of the field where it’s safer for younger riders. But don’t think that means they’re taking it easy! Betty has earned a reputation as a bit of a daredevil.
When asked what she loves most about trail-hunting, Betty’s answer was simple: “I like going fast!”
Her favourite fence to jump? Ditches! Those tricky obstacles that make some riders nervous are exactly what Betty looks forward to most.
The old-school way
So how did Betty become such a confident rider in such a short time? Her mum thinks it’s all about doing things the old-fashioned way.
“She rides bareback all the time, which I think is why she’s got such a good seat,” Stella explained. “She rides in a headcollar and lead rope, and she’ll ride anything.”
Riding bareback means Betty can really feel her pony’s movement underneath her. Without a saddle, she’s learned to balance naturally and move with Valentine. It’s built her a strong, secure seat that impresses everyone who sees her ride.
Betty doesn’t just ride Valentine, either. She also rides her mum’s rescue horse (who they backed last year), a friend’s horse for showjumping, and the family’s Welsh Section D pony. Talk about brave!
Disciplines
Trail-hunting isn’t the only thing Betty and Valentine do together. They also:
- Showjump
- Take part in Pony Club activities
- Go hacking everywhere
- Ride on the beach
“We go all over the place, always out hacking or riding,” Stella said. “People always say ‘I can’t believe she can ride like that for her age.’ And when I say she’s only been riding 18 months, people are shocked.”
A different start
Betty’s riding journey didn’t start the traditional way. She did have some lessons when she was younger, but then COVID-19 happened and everything stopped. When she started riding again 18 months ago, something just clicked.
Stella has always ridden, but her two older children weren’t interested in horses. Betty, however, caught the bug in a big way. Once she and Valentine teamed up, there was no stopping them.
“We got her little Val last October, and it went from there,” Stella remembered.
Bringing back the fun
People at the hunt love seeing Betty out in the field. Stella says they often comment on how nice it is to see young riders enjoying themselves.
“Apart from the really young, lead-rein children, there’s not really any kids out hunting anymore,” Stella explained. “We were always jealous if we couldn’t go to the meet, and there were always loads of kids there.”
The hunting community is thrilled to see a youngster who’s so enthusiastic about the sport.
“People at the hunt always say that we really need to get more kids coming up and enjoying it,” said Stella. “They love the fact Betts is out enjoying the fun, and giving it her all with her sassy, determined, confident little attitude.”
What we can learn from Betty
Betty’s story shows us some important lessons about riding:
1. You don’t need years of experience to have adventures. Betty’s only been riding for 18 months, but she’s already doing things that many riders dream of. What matters is building your skills steadily and riding as often as you can.
2. Riding bareback builds better balance. Without a saddle to hold onto, Betty learned to balance naturally. This has given her a strong, secure seat that serves her well whether she’s jumping ditches or galloping across fields.
3. Confidence comes from practice. Betty doesn’t spend all her time in the arena. She rides different horses and ponies, hacks out regularly, goes to the beach, and tries new things. All that experience has built her confidence.
4. The right pony makes all the difference. Valentine might be sassy, but she takes good care of Betty when they’re out trail-hunting. Finding a pony you trust is so important.
5. Having fun is what it’s all about. Betty loves going fast, jumping ditches, and spending time with Valentine. That joy and enthusiasm shows in everything she does, and it’s infectious!
Be inspired
If you’re reading this and thinking “I wish I could do that,” remember – Betty started somewhere too. Eighteen months ago, she was just getting back into riding after a long break. Now she’s trail-hunting with the adults!
You don’t need to ride bareback or go trail-hunting to be like Betty. What you can do is:
- Ride as often as possible
- Try new things (safely!)
- Build a partnership with your pony
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions
- Remember to have FUN
Whether you want to showjump, do dressage, go trail-hunting, or just enjoy hacking with friends, the most important thing is to get out there and ride. Who knows? In 18 months, you might be the one inspiring others!
Fast facts: Betty and Valentine
- Rider: Betty Musgrave, 9 years old
- Pony: Valentine, Welsh Section A mare, 12hh
- Time riding: 18 months
- Activities: Trail-hunting, showjumping, Pony Club, hacking, beach riding
- Riding style: Bareback, headcollar and lead rope
- Hunt: Badsworth, Bramham, York South hunt
- Favourite fence: Ditches
- Best riding tip: “I like going fast!”
Betty and Valentine’s story reminds us that the best riders aren’t always the ones who’ve been riding the longest; they’re the ones having the most fun! So get out there, enjoy your pony, and make your own adventures.
