Welcoming Lucinda Atkinson to our sponsored rider team
With the 2025 eventing season just around the corner, we’re thrilled to welcome Lucinda Atkinson as the latest sponsored rider to join the Horse Bit Bank team. An international event rider based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, Lucinda has an exciting string of horses ready for the season ahead and is looking forward to building on the success of the past few years.
We caught up with Lucinda to chat about her aims for 2025, pick her brain for some top tips for aspiring eventers and uncover a few fun insights into life behind the scenes. Let’s dive in…
Looking ahead to the 2025 season
Lucinda is gearing up for an exciting eventing season, with a strong string of horses competing up to 3* level. Among her 2025 ambitions are aiming her young horses at the six, seven, and eight-year-old Championships and competing two talented prospects in the Burghley Young Event Horse series. She also has three promising horses she hopes will shine at the 3* level this year.
“I always think plans and goals need to be moveable and adaptable when it comes to horses,” she says. “There are so many variables to consider, including the great British weather! But I’m really looking forward to the season and sharing the journey with the Horse Bit Bank’s followers.”
Lucinda’s eventing insights
As someone who has navigated the highs and lows of eventing, Lucinda has some words of wisdom for those looking to take the plunge into the sport or go up a level or two..
“Don’t do it: it’s an addiction!” she jokes. “But a very fun one. My biggest tip is to find a good trainer or coach, someone you trust, understand and can work with to achieve your goals.”
When it comes to fueling long eventing days, a rich and gooey chocolate cake is her go-to treat to celebrate success, but she also makes sure to stay hydrated and kick starts each event morning with a bacon and egg sandwich. Is it even a horsey event if you don’t have a bacon butty when you get there?!
Lucinda’s favourite events and horses
Burnham Market and Blair Castle top Lucinda’s list of favourite events, and we can understand why! Both are (or were, in the case of Blair Castle) superb events in wonderful settings and Lucinda was so disappointed not to be able to compete at Blair for one final time in 2024.
As for her horses, a few stand out as particularly special. Uptown Lad, the horse who took her to her first Advanced but whose career was curtailed due to injury, holds a firm place in her heart, as does Ratchet, the pony who ignited her love for eventing.
When asked which horse she’d love to ride, Lucinda picks the gutsy and determined race mare Irish Roe, who was trained by her husband Peter and was placed in a listed contest at Cheltenham. And the horse that taught her the most? Spring Revolution, who was so strong and hot in the dressage arena.
A passion for coaching
Alongside her eventing career, Lucinda is also a passionate coach who enjoys helping riders achieve their goals, no matter how big or small. “I love working with people to help them progress and it’s so rewarding to be part of their journey,” she says.
We’re delighted to have Lucinda on board and can’t wait to follow her progress throughout the season. Whatever her bitting needs and questions, we’ll be ready to help her get the perfect solution for every horse in her yard. Stay tuned for updates as she takes on 2025 with her exciting team of horses!