Sally Spencer: Equestrian from Corfu making her mark internationally with Greece’s flag

In the world of equestrian sport, endurance riding is considered one of the greatest tests of partnership between horse and rider. With the fundamental principle that the horse’s welfare is always the top priority, the sport is governed by the well-known motto “to finish is to win.” Covering distances of up to 160 kilometres in a single day, it requires not only speed, but also strategy, stamina, and a deep understanding of the horse. Veterinary checks during the race ensure that only the healthiest and most suitable pairs continue, making the sport as much about care as it is about competitive performance.

Originally from the UK, Sally has been living in Corfu since the age of 17. Although she loved horses and was involved in riding from a young age, she only had the opportunity to own her own horse at 22, by which time she was already living in Greece. What began as a passion gradually developed into a serious sports career.

Her competitive journey began in 2012, when she started riding Ion Vatidis' horses. It was then that she discovered her particular passion for show jumping and endurance riding—two different disciplines that are both rooted in trust and dedication.

In 2017, she took an important step by acquiring her own show jumping horse, and in 2022 she also obtained her own endurance horse. Since then, she has achieved significant success, earning numerous distinctions and titles in both disciplines.

This year has been particularly successful. In show jumping, she won four trophies in six appearances. At the same time, in endurance riding, she completed her final qualifying race over 80 kilometres at the Panhellenic Endurance Championship, organised by the Hellenic Equestrian Federation, finishing in fourth place. This result secures her qualification to compete in international events.

Behind these successes, however, lies a journey shaped by persistence and defined by the particular challenges of training on a small island.

Training in Corfu presents significant difficulties. There are no local competitions, which means that every participation requires extensive travel by ferry and road journeys of hundreds of kilometres across mainland Greece. At the same time, the island lacks organised equestrian infrastructure, such as teams, specialised coaches, or even dedicated veterinary support for horses.

Despite the obstacles, Spencer has managed to carve out her own path with discipline and perseverance. She is one of the very few International Equestrian Federation (FEI) -recognized endurance riding trainers and coaches active on the island, a fact that highlights both her experience and the level of independence required to succeed.

Her daily routine is marked by long hours of training and a high level of dedication, often at the expense of personal and family time. Nevertheless, she continues steadily, driven by a clear goal.

Although born in the UK, Spencer feels deeply connected to Greece and is already in the process of obtaining Greek citizenship. Her ultimate ambition is to represent Greece at an international level—a dream that reflects both her sporting commitment and her personal bond with the country.

As she sets her sights on the international stage, Spencer’s journey is defined not by the challenges she faces, but by the determination with which she confronts them.

“No matter how far we have to travel or how difficult the conditions may be, the goal remains the same—with the horse’s welfare as the absolute priority—to keep improving, to keep competing, and one day to represent Greece at the highest level.”

ELENI KORONAKI