THREE sisters have celebrated a lifetime’s family affair in horse-riding at one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions.

Sandy, aged 62, Janet, 59 and Rachel, 55, three of five daughters who still own Ystrad Farm in Denbigh, where their father George Brookes moved in 1976, are the only three siblings to have competed in the Badminton Horse Trials – though they did not always complete the notoriously challenging course.

The five-day Gloucestershire competition, one of only six annual events given a five-star rating by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, the sport's international governing body, marked its 70th anniversary on May 1-5.

The ‘Brookes Sisters’, as they are known in equestrian circles, were invited by Badminton to commemorate their special history in the event, which they attended with their father, mother Joan and sisters Helen and Mary in the 1970s-90s.

“There was never any rivalry between us,” Rachel, known as Baby Brookes when competing, insisted as her sisters nodded in agreement. “We all helped each other, and groomed for each other, it was a real family affair.”

As the eldest, Sandy was the pathfinder, finishing third at the Burghley Horse Trials at just 21 years old and later fourth at the Lincolnshire event. “Badminton was not a particularly happy hunting ground for me though,” she said. “I started three times and completed twice.”

Janet rode at Badminton twice and debuted at the age of 19. She also completed at Burghley, as did Rachel. “I started Badminton twice on Bucklewood, but only completed once,” she said. “Given Sandy and Janet both completed here, I would have been so disappointed if I had failed to.

“Badminton was the culmination of year round work, of blood, sweat and tears.

“It was awe inspiring.”

Horses remain a huge part of their lives, as members and hosts of Denbigh Pony Club sessions at the family farm.

Mark Young, Denbigh county councillor, whose 12-year-old daughter attends the sessions, said: “The Brookes sisters should be celebrated for their talent and commitment. I salute them for their bravery to compete at Badminton because it is such a difficult course.

"They provide a fantastic facility for the pony club and it is a privilege to have people of their calibre in our community.”