A Stokesley School student has taken top honours in a National Dressage Championship, beating stiff competition from 25 other riders, whilst competing under the watchful eye of HRH Princess Anne. Emily Power, a Year 11 student, achieved first place in the BHS National Riding Schools Championship held at the Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre in Warwickshire.
The event was open to all BHS-approved riding centres but all competitors had to be be none-horse owners and competed on horses and ponies on a riding school licence. Riders must have qualified at previous competitions to take part. Incredibly, Emily rode a horse that she hasn’t ridden very often, as the horse she has competed with for many years is now too old to travel. Undeterred, Emily, with Gilly, a ten-year old Irish Draught who stands at an impressive 17 hands high, made a fabulous partnership.
Emily has been riding for nine years, with Robinson’s Equi Teach at Tunstall, Middlesbrough, and has competed in shows and local dressage series throughout North Yorkshire for the past four years. Emily qualified for the nationals in 2018, coming 4th out of 23, so she is thrilled to have achieved the 1st place trophy this year. As well being awarded a rosette, sash and trophy, Emily also won a £75 training voucher, plus two silver salvers for Claire Robinson, Emily’s instructor and proprietor of the winner of this class. Emily said: “I was delighted to qualify for the nationals again and to win was amazing as the class was bigger this year. It was one of my best scores in a dressage test. I would like to continue competing and eventually buy my own horse. I would love to be able to qualify for bigger shows around the country.”
Claire Robinson, Manager of Robinson’s Equi Teach and Emily’s riding teacher, added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity and brilliant experience for all taking part. I’d like to thank the School for their support in a sport which I often feel is overlooked. Emily did really well!”
Becky Gosling, Emily’s PE Teacher, commented: “As a GCSE PE student, Emily has applied herself brilliantly to both the theory and practical aspects of the course. Demonstrating a consistently high attitude to learning and top-class effort throughout. Her horse riding performance has contributed towards her final grade. Emily shows superb passion and enthusiasm for Physical Education. Throughout her school years she has represented the school in numerous sports. She is a confident sports person who is very determined, reliable and highly competitive. Emily always strives to be the best she can be.”
