As the eventing season draws to a close, The Wobbleberry Challenge, set up in August 2016 by Sally Barr and three other willing volunteers, has exceeded all expectations, with funds raised approaching £250,000 and more than 1,200 people signing up to take part.

The Challenge, set up exclusively to raise money for Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity, has captured the imagination of the equestrian world. The charity was established in 2016 by Hannah Francis, a young event rider, who lost her life to osteosarcoma in August of that year at the age of just 18 years old. The Wobbleberry Challenge is a key fundraiser for the charity and encourages non-eventers to challenge themselves to compete in a British Eventing BE80(T) competition, whilst raising funds for the charity.

With so many people wanting to sign up for 2017/18 and some wanting to defer their Challenge, it has been necessary to consider the future of the Challenge going forwards. Following discussions with the Trustees of Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity, the Wobbleberry Challenge will continue to be a fundamental part of the Charity’s fundraising activities and has now been established as an annual programme.

Sally explains, “The Wobbleberry Challenge was set up because we were so inspired by Hannah’s determination and we wanted to raise money for a fantastic charity. People who take part in this personal challenge aim to complete a BE80(T) event, having never completed one previously with their equine partner. Typically, people who participated in 2017 had never considered attempting a BE, but were inspired by Hannah to push themselves. This is such a fundamental part of the Wobbleberry Challenge, because Hannah herself was so inspired by her riding. How fitting indeed that her legacy continues in so many ways, not least in encouraging people into the saddle and proving to themselves that they can achieve something not previously thought possible.”

To sign up for the 2017/18 Wobbleberry Challenge please purchase a starter pack for £20 plus VAT (can be found by clicking; here), the funds for which go directly to the charity. The sign-up process is explained in the starter pack, but more information can be found on the website and at www.wobbleberries.com. If individuals wish to be more involved, they can also apply to be a representative within their area.

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West Sussex Riding Club held a Clear Round SJ at Gaye Harwoods raising a phenominal £465. Gaye Harwood kindly donated her amazing facilities for the cause- thank you all so much everyone.	Shirley Oultram from the Side Saddle Association and her supporters raised an amazing £100 from the 'Hobby Horse Challenge' fun competition held at the National Side Saddle Championships at the beginning of August 2017.
Lucy Larkman ran the Swindon Half Marathon on the 3rd of September for us raising a phenominal £587.50 with the help of Raceberry of course.
	Naomi Varley contacted us telling us about the very sad news that their 4* horse had passed away. Luke had competed at an amazing 5 Burghley’s and this year they were hoping for a 6th. They had a beautiful rocking horse made by Stevensons of ‘Bluestone Luke’ which was on their stand at Burghley and I think you will all agree it looks stunning, they had a collection for us and raised a staggering £386.92.
Crown Riding Club hosted a Summer Ball and have sent us a cheque for £756 for their efforts. Great work.	Beth Norman was rightfully chuffed after she ‘Walked for Willberry’. Beth undertook a walk of 15.7 miles across Torbay on the 10th September 2017 and raised an amazing £152.00.
Huge huge thank you to everyone at Pol Roger, especially Paul Graham who had the amazing idea to hold a ‘Bits & Balls Challenge’ (Eventers Vs Rugby players) at Burghley for us. Clare Balding was in charge of the all star cast that you can see. Lots of fun, laughter and an enjoyable evening had by all whilst raising £2720 for the Charity.
	Falpro England ran a competition at Blenheim to win one of their fabulous rugs raising £188.48 - Willberry was rather jealous of the winner..!
Charlotte Adams and her Equestrian Team at University of Westminster, purchased a Berry pony and ran a competition on arrivals week - they managed to raise £70 and the winner of the Berry Pony was Jennifer Redington.
	The Isle Of Wight Wobbleberries and friends visited us on our stand at Blenheim to give a cheque for £1035.00 for all their amazing fundraising that they've been up to. Was great to meet you!
Sally Warwick, the owner of Long Lane Equestrian, contacted us to say she was holding their annual family open day and horse show to raise money for a charity, this year they kindly chose us raising £225. Photo with thanks to JFA photography.
Berkeley Hunt Pony Club made use of all of their old kit by hosting a Second Hand Tack Sale raising a brilliant £85 for our charity - thank you. Hopefully everyone was able to bag a bargain.	Jo Foster held a party back in July and an auction - they split the proceeds between us and Jack Berry House and after collecting all the money they raised its incredible that £1350 went to Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony.
	Amy Vaughan from Longford & District Riding Club organised a sponsored ride including Charity ride/BBQ/Raffle raising £1043. Amosberry even got a little ride out!
The Owl House Stables proudly raised a cracking £855 for Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony after hosting a ODE that was inspired by a few Wobbleberrys at The Owl House. Totally brilliant result.

You guys continue to blow us away - thank you.

" About a year and half ago I watched the video that BBC Radio Bristol put out about Hannah's story. I was so moved by this video, she was so brave and determined, and never let cancer get in the way of what she wanted to do. In that moment, after watching it I realised I wanted to do something to help raise money for her charity. The year before we had lost the light legged horses at our local county show. They had said at a meeting they would give the ground to anyone willing to hold a show in its place, as long as it was on another date. I approached them saying that I would like to hold an equine show at the show ground, they were delighted that someone had approached them and taken up their offer. The Black Isle Farmers have been great with me and so very supportive.

On the 19th and 20th of August for the first time Willberry North Of Scotland Championship Show opened its gates. On the Saturday had showing classes such as, In-hand, ridden, working hunter and M&M classes. For this side of the show you had to qualify in able to compete. Which was really good as we were able to get our word out about this show to other areas in Scotland which might not have heard. On Sunday we had an arena event and showjumping classes. The show was a great success and for the first year we had over 250 competitors over the weekend.

We were honoured to have Wanderberry attending for the first year and gave a massive hand to our very own Scottberry. While speaking to Toni I found out Hannah's mum would be at Blair Horse Trials, as soon as I found that out I knew I wanted to give her the cheque. From our show we have been able to donate an amazing £1,000. I was delighted with that number and we will be hoping next year we can improve on this number again. It was an honour meeting Hannahs' mum and the one and only Willberry.

Not only did watching this video create this amazing new show, but watching it has made me look at life in another way and I have now started to do a lot more with my horse, and made me think what do I want to achieve. I have now made goals in what I want to do. My first one was I wanted to go and compete at Blair which I was able to do this year and I am so proud of myself. I would like to thank Hannah for that as I would have never had done it if I hadn't seen that video. So my best way of saying thank you is being able to raise as much as I possibly can for this charity."

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