A twelve-year-old North Yorkshire showjumper has been selected to compete for Great Britain at an international event to be held in Opglabbeek, Belgium this week.
Hannah Barker, aged 12 from Northallerton, was among the top riders in her class last year and has seen her hard work pay off as she will represent her country in both individual and team competitions.
Hannah, who attends Cundall Manor School near Thirsk and Ripon, will be looking to build on a strong start to the season as she competes in the Children on horses Nations Cup. She will be competing on her horse Cartouche II, a 14 year-old bay gelding.
After a successful viewing trial at the Chepstow International Horse Show, Hannah was only one of six children to make the team.
Head of Girls’ Games at Cundall Manor School, Lousie Bessey, said: “We are really pleased for Hannah. She is so committed to all her sport and this is a great opportunity for her to shine on the international stage.”
Mrs Bessey added: “She is a fantastic all-round athlete and was recently part of the school’s ISA U13 National Hockey Championship winning team in London. We will all be cheering her on and wish her well.”
Hannah will be hoping her good form continues during 2017 after recently claiming the top prize in the 148cm class at the prestigious Pony Premier winter JA classic series at Bury Farm, Buckinghamshire.
The competition will take place on the 11th – 14th of May in Opglabbeek, Belgium and results will be posted on the British Showjumping website atwww.britishshowjumping.co.uk