Local 13-year-old Beatrice Hayman-Joyce has competed at her first LeMieux Grassroots Championship today, after an incredibly difficult 2.5 months out of the saddle.
Ten weeks ago, Beatrice was rushed to Bristol Children’s Hospital after being kicked whilst out hunting, and required an eleven-hour surgery that included a titanium rod, skin graph, and muscle graph for her leg. Her recovery required significant physiotherapy, in-home nurses, and regular specialist visits, with an estimated timeline of 3.5 months before riding could be considered. However, three weeks ago Beatrice hopped back in the saddle on her mare ‘Iconic’, or more affectionately referred to as Ella, to begin her journey back into riding with a clear goal in mind – the LeMieux Grassroots Championships.
Her father Tom Hayman-Joyce recalled that before surgery, Beatrice was most upset at the prospect of missing this weekend’s competition. After such a significant surgery, Beatrice had to relearn how to ride without her right gracilis muscle that was transplanted during surgery. This muscle is actively utilised by riders whilst mounted, so with its absence, Beatrice’s balance was significantly affected, and she recalls initially not being able to even sit up in the saddle. She gradually rebuilt her strength and balance over the past few weeks and commends her mare Ella for having adapted so quickly to her new riding style and attributes this to their strong partnership (built only in one year together.) Beatrice was only able to start training again 1.5 weeks ago in preparation for this week’s competition, despite not being able to jump yet, as she was determined to at least complete her dressage phase of her first LeMieux Grassroots Championship that she had been so looking forward to. With the physiotherapy support from her mother Amy Hayman-Joyce (who will be providing physiotherapy for Badminton Horse Trial riders this week,) and support from her coaches Lou Partridge and Chris Hall, young Beatrice has been able to fulfil her dream of competing in the 2026 LeMieux Grassroots Championship.
Today, Beatrice Hayman-Joyce and ‘Iconic’ completed their dressage test, scoring 32.4, and was surrounded by her parents, sister, grandparents, friends, and coaches today to celebrate her achievement. In a post-ride interview, Beatrice exclaimed that she was incredibly pleased with their performance and that “Ella listened to me very well, and we did the best we could’ve done,” and sincerely hopes to be back in the ring next year at the LeMieux Grassroots Championship, to complete all 3 phases. Beatrice aims to be jumping again in coming weeks, and to ultimately be competing again in mid-June.
Beatrice Haymon-Joyce has conquered an incredible feat today, and displayed immense determination, and love for the sport.