Private School News

Young equestrian earns national call-up

A Derbyshire school’s equestrian sensation is cantering on to the national stage after being invited to train with the prestigious Great Britain Pony Squad.

Erin Williams, 12, who attends Mount St Mary’s College, was rewarded with the call-up to the squad’s dressage team on pony Danny Boy B after a series of impressive performances in nationwide competitions.

Just ten riders currently make up the GB squad, which acts as a progress group for riders under 16 with the potential to compete at the highest level.

Squad members are invited to compete abroad for GB throughout the season to gain international experience.

Erin, who trains most mornings before school at 6.30am, could practically ride before walking – first getting into the saddle as a toddler. She now rides dressage, one of the only sports where men, women and children all compete on an equal footing.

As well as representing England at Under 25 level, Erin has competed in numerous national events, often finishing above far more experienced riders. If Erin continues this impressive form she is hoping to be invited to represent Great Britain in international competition.

The ultimate aim of the squad is to select the best four members for a place on the GB team at the FEI European Championships in July. This year the championships take place in Hull.

Erin, from Barlow, said: “I’m thrilled to be invited to train with the GB Pony Squad. It means I’ll be training alongside superb riders and takes me one step closer to achieving my goal of representing Great Britain.

“Mount St Mary’s has always been supportive of my riding commitments. I’m very grateful to them for their encouragement and for allowing me to balance riding with my studies.”

Mount St Mary’s headteacher, Laurence McKell, said: “To be recognised nationally is a fantastic achievement, but the fact that Erin is still only 12 makes it all the more remarkable.

“She is clearly a magnificent horse rider and it is brilliant that her talent has been recognised by such an esteemed organisation.

“Everyone at Mount St Mary’s is very proud of Erin. She is an exceptionally talented girl and a superb ambassador for the school.”

Photo: Erin on her pony, Dublin.(By Paul Sands at Photo-kinesis)