Nearly 24 hours after being told she was the lucky winner of HORSE magazine’s horsebox competition, Vicky Vincent still hadn’t come back down to earth.
“I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it!” repeated the 27-year-old children’s nurse from Bagnall, near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
For Vicky, winning the horsebox means that she will be able to take her 16.2hh, 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood chestnut gelding, Obee, to events further afield, and, for the first time, attend training seminars and demos.
“Winning will change my whole way of riding,” adds an elated Vicky. “The horsebox will really benefit Obee because he’s a nervous horse, but he has so much potential.”
Vicky rides Obee in fun rides and local dressage and show jumping competitions, but eventing is her aim.
“It is an absolute dream come true!” adds Vicky. “I have never won anything before – not even something out of a bran tub at a fair!”
Vicky’s prize consists of a new horsebox on a 1999 Renault Master 2.8 Dti long-wheel base. Courtesy of Kingfisher Equestrian Ltd, it features power steering, a diesel engine and a five-speed gearbox.
The horsebox’s lightweight but stable frame will make it easier for Vicky to load and unload Obee, who will be protected by vinyl-covered pads fitted on the partition and sides.
Normally retailing at around £15,500, plus VAT, the box comes with a one-year warranty worth £1,000, and also includes a groom’s area with a wardrobe, bench seats and lighting.
In addition, Vicky’s prize includes a year’s membership to the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners, worth £199.
