The Youth Championships, which is being held at the college for the second year in a row, sees riders aged under 18 compete in a range of dressage, showjumping and cross country classes from Thursday 4th August to Sunday 7th August. The exclusive Opening Ceremony is a long-standing tradition and highlight of the event.
Competing riders from 8 regions across the UK including Bishop Burton student Lucy Proctor-Copeland, who is representing the North, paraded in the Bishop Burton Arena. As the first Opening Ceremony without COVID-19 restrictions the atmosphere was celebratory, as riders enjoyed being able to experience the ceremony watched on by family and friends.
All received a warm welcome from Bishop Burton Principal and Chief Executive Bill Meredith, who said “We are delighted to host the Youth Championships for a second year at Bishop Burton. This competition is a highlight of the UK equestrian calendar, and it is a privilege to witness so many talented young riders, including one of our own students, compete at such an exceptional level. I wish all competitors the very best of luck.”
All riders were presented with a commemorative stable plaque as a memento of their involvement in the prestigious competition.
The culmination of the evening was an amazing display by stunt rider Katharine Pickering, who has featured in productions such as Gentleman Jack, Victoria and Wonder Woman 1984. The awe-inspiring demonstration included daredevil trick riding, classical dressage, liberty riding where the horse has no tack and fire breathing. Katharine was joined by fellow stunt riders Kayleigh Ashford, Amie Laws and Georgie Springall for the trick riding section and Grand Prix rider Edward Creamer in the classical dressage.
