Double triumph for Equine Academy and Business student in the British Eventing International Youth Championships

Lucy, from Brandesburton and her mare, Dernahatten Colour Code, were selected to represent the North in the prestigious championships after beating off competition from other young riders in a rigorous selection process.

This was Lucy’s first time competing at this level and representing her region. She was thrilled to be chosen to ride alongside the best young athletes in the country, commenting “I was so excited and honoured to be representing the North in the championships; and to be competing so close to home alongside all these amazing riders at Bishop Burton, where I’m a student was a once in a lifetime experience!”

Lucy and the other talented young riders were put through their paces over several days, competing in dressage, cross country and showjumping. Riding in the BE90 Open under 18 Championship class Lucy clinched first in the individual honours, with a dressage score of 25.4. Her amazing performance also helped the North secure first in the team honours by just over 10 marks, with all four of their riders placing in the top seven for the individual competition.

Lucy said of her double win: “My aim when I started the qualifiers was simply to be selected to ride, so to win in both the individual and teams honours for my class is a dream come true.”

Lucy, who is studying a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business at Bishop Burton is also a member of the college’s prestigious Equine Academy. The Academy is designed to provide support to high calibre riders or those with the potential to succeed at a high level of competitive sport. Lucy said “My experience in the Equine Academy has helped and prepared me massively for competing at such a high standard. Having ridden in the amazing Bishop Burton arenas before was invaluable experience.”

Hannah Ward, Equine Centre Manager at Bishop Burton commented. “This is an outstanding achievement for Lucy, to win not only individual honours but also placed first in the team honours is phenomenal. Lucy is a fantastic example of an Academy student working hard to reach their potential to compete at this level. We are incredibly proud of her.”

On completion of her course at Bishop Burton Lucy wants to progress to university to continue her studies in Business or Agriculture, but she fully intends to continue riding Dernahatten Colour Code, who she affectionately calls Hattie.

Bishop Burton offers a wide range of equine courses at both college and university level and is still accepting applications for study in September, click here to find out more.