A Royal Entrance: Rhea Kellow and Queen of the Night Ride for Brent Knoll RC at Nationals

bkrcsecretary
Aug 29, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Flying the BKRC colours - Tulip and Rhea stand by the National Championships sign

After securing victory in the qualifying section of Prelim 3 at Chard during the BRC Area 12 Summer Dressage Qualifiers on 5 July, Brent Knoll Riding Club’s Rhea Kellow and the beautiful Queen of the Night (known at home to friends and fans as Tulip), earned their ticket to the NAF BRC National Summer Championships in Lincoln on 30-31 August 2025.

For both Rhea and Brent Knoll Riding Club, it was a proud moment. The National Championships bring together some of the best grassroots combinations from across the country, and to be represented on such a stage is an achievement in itself.

“Wow, what can I say? This little mare took on the NAF 5* Champs like she’s done it her whole life,” Rhea reflected afterwards.

Settling In

The weekend began on Friday, with Tulip feeling a little tense in her early work. Some patient hand-walking helped her relax before Rhea got back in the saddle. By then, Tulip was all business — though still lively enough to warrant a few “energy cookies” to keep her focused.

Saturday/Sunday: Three Tests, Three Great Impressions

Saturday of their Championship Debut, started with two scheduled tests during the day.

Their first test was a direct entry for coloured horses in the long arena. The atmosphere was electric, with a busy warm-up, plenty of movement around the arena, and even the odd distraction from tent pegs left behind from a previous event.

Tulip understandably found people walking by and cyclists passing far more entertaining than the job at hand — and even needed a mid-test toilet stop. Still, the judge rewarded the effort with 62%, leaving them in 12th place.

An hour later, the pair were back in the saddle for their championship test in a ring positioned alongside the main road. This time Tulip showed her growing confidence, producing a much stronger performance to score 64% for 16th. The real highlight, however, came in the comments section of the score sheet: glowing praise such as “super partnership” and “super smart horse with correct training.”

“That was just lovely to read,” said Rhea. “I was already over the moon with how she had gone, but to see those comments meant so much.”

After a well-earned trip to the Dambuster Inn with supporters Jess and Claire for food and a pint — Rhea and Tulip returned back to camp to prepare for the native direct entry class first thing Sunday for their 3rd and final test of the weekend. Despite more distractions, with spectators wandering close to the arena mid-test, Tulip kept her focus well enough to achieve an impressive 65% and 5th place.

Flying the Flag for Brent Knoll RC

The weekend was a triumph for Rhea and Tulip, but for Brent Knoll Riding Club, having one of their members (again) competing at a National Championship - showing the talent and dedication within the club.

Club members followed Rhea’s progress closely, celebrating her achievements and sharing in the pride of seeing Brent Knoll colours represented on such a stage. Her success is a reminder of what can be achieved with hard work, training, and the support of a strong riding community.

Looking Ahead

For Rhea, the weekend was a huge success and a testament to her mare’s developing talent and temperament.

“Tulip just kept getting better with every ride this weekend,” she said proudly.

Tulip will now enjoy some well-deserved downtime to rest and recharge, before preparations begin for their next big target: the BD Associated Championships at Onley.