The trio competes as a team in an extreme sport called horseboarding. Cheryl describes what it involves; “It’s still a relatively new sport and was only established 10 years ago. There are three members in a horseboarding team, the horse, the rider (me), and a boarder (Kev). The boarder is on a mountain board and is pulled from the back of the horse at high speed around obstacles, such as weaves, chicanes, or 90-degree turns. The three of us work together as one brain to get around the course as fast as possible but also as safely as possible, we’re called Absolutely Fabulous.”
With three years of competitive races under her belt, Cheryl classes herself as a novice in the sport compared to some of the elite teams. She competes all around the UK, but when it comes to finding recruits for the intense sport, Cheryl says it can be challenging; “We are the only team so far up north in the UK and are always actively searching for new people to come and join us, so far it’s proved quite tricky to find many people who have the skill set or insanity to be dragged at potential speeds of up to 35mph at the back of a horse or on horseback!”
Regarding safety, the sport is strictly governed to ensure the safety and welfare of the horse, the rider, and the boarder. Cheryl says, “Before each competition, the horses and both team members must pass a rigorous assessment to ensure we understand all safety procedures – our safety guideline book is extensive. During the competition, which usually lasts two days, there are briefings twice a day before and after the race to go over safety concerns.”
Talking about how her love for horses began, Cheryl says, “I’ve had horses since I was a teenager, but I took a break for many years.
“I used to work taking calls in our 999 service, and five years ago, one day during a night shift, I was on my break when I saw a two-year-old filly for sale online. I messaged them and asked them to drop her off three days later. I was confident that I could look after the horse and bring it up to the competition standard myself, once she was old enough. The conversation I had with my partner the morning I got home was very interesting, to say the least.”
Cheryl says her hobby really helps her with her mental health: “It gives me a focus when we are training or competing. It’s exercise and fresh air that help with all aspects of well-being without it feeling like hard work.
“Horseboarding is a fast adrenaline sport, and we need a sharp focus on ourselves and what each team member is doing and what they will need to do to get around the course safely. This focus allows me to forget any daily stressors I have.
“It is an extreme sport, and each team member relies on each other to stay sharp and disciplined. It certainly isn’t a sport for everyone, but everyone involved in the sport supports each other, which gives a physical and mental boost.”
If you are struggling or feeling low, here’s a reminder of some important numbers that could help you:
Samaritans – Call: 116 123 – 24/7
Text Shout to 85258 – 24/7
CALM – Call: 0800 58 58 58 – web chat 5pm to midnight every day
PAPYRUS Hopeline247 – Call: 0800 068 4141 or text: 88247 – 24/7
Mind Infoline – Call: 0300 123 3393 – 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays)