Bella Stevens' Top Tips for Stay-Away Shows

Welcome to Ambassador Diaries — where we catch up with our brilliant Racesafe ambassadors to get their insider tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at what really goes into life in the saddle and beyond.

Bella Stevens 

Hi, I’m Bella — a 20-year-old event rider from Gloucestershire. I live on a dairy farm and have managed to collect a fair few horses along the way! I'm currently heading into my third year at Cardiff University, studying Biomedical Sciences, and balancing uni life with my love for eventing.

2025 has already been packed with exciting fixtures, with highlights including Bicton CCI2-L* and the Badminton Grassroots Championships.

Here’s a quick intro to my team:

• Lusty is my main competition horse — we’ve gone up to CCI2*-L together.
  

• Honey, a dun mare I’ve produced to CCI1* since she was 6 (and I was just 12!).
  

• Tommy, a 17hh gentle giant — we’ve completed Badminton Grassroots twice together.
  

• Ozzy, the newest addition, is starting his eventing journey with me this summer.
  

 My Top Tips for Stay-Away Shows

Be prepared for the weather!

British events are known for their unpredictability. Pack layers and cover all bases: waterproofs, warm kit, towels, and spares of everything. My go-to is the Racesafe 1/4 zip base layer — it keeps me cool in the heat thanks to the UV protection, but it’s also sweat-wicking and quick-drying. A definite wardrobe essential!

Create a drying room

If it’s wet, shut the windows in the horse area of your lorry and set up a small portable heater. It turns the space into a makeshift drying room for soggy kit and clothes — a total game-changer.

Top tip: Avoid drying your body protector over direct heat, as this can affect the foam. Hang it on a hanger and let it dry naturally — it really doesn’t take long! I always bring both my Motion3 and HX3 in case one gets drenched. Having a backup is such a lifesaver. If you need more advice on caring for your body protectors, Racesafe have all your questions answered here.

Stay organised

Packing lists are your best friend. I split mine into sections: horse, rider, food, and extras. Clear tubs or labelled bags help keep things manageable once you're onsite.

Bring the basics for comfort

A kettle, decent snacks, and a few small home comforts make all the difference during a long show. It's the little things!

Keep a spare set of shoes

Before heading off, ask your farrier for your horse’s old shoes and keep them in the lorry. If they lose a shoe during an event, having a spare is essential!