3 young horse riders from Brighstone CE Aided Primary School are celebrating this week after taking the top spot at an inter-school equestrian event.
Year 1 pupils Bethan Benkjer and Skye McCullough (both aged 6), along with Year 3 pupil Violet Elliott (aged 8), represented their primary school at the Isle of Wight Interschool Team Dressage competition which took place last week (Friday 25th March) at Little Kennerley Farm in Godshill.
The competition saw the girls work as a close team against 7 other Island primary schools, instructing their horse Echo to undertake a set series of manoeuvres around the arena, in front of a judge.
The girls achieved the highest combined scores to secure the team win for Brighstone Primary School, with Bethan and Violet also picking up 1st and 3rd rosettes for their individual performances.
Rebecca Lennon, headteacher at Brighstone Primary School said:
“We are so proud of the children for their achievements and for the way in which they perfectly represented the school and our values of love, courage and respect.
“The event was a great opportunity for the girls to develop their teamwork skills and build confidence while taking part in an activity they are passionate about.
“Well done to Bethan, Skye and Violet and a big thank you to the parents and carers who helped the children to take part.
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Bethan’s mum Cerys Benkjer said:
“The children were so excited just to be representing their school in the competition – winning was totally unexpected but a lovely surprise and a great reward for the girls’ efforts. We are very proud of them for doing their best on the day and thankful for team pony Echo – loaned to us by Sian Dyer – for looking after them all so well.”
The horse-riding trio are now switching their focus from dressage to jumping as they prepare for the Isle of Wight Interschool Team Showjumping event next month.
The Isle of Wight Interschool Dressage Competition was organised by Karen Begley.
