MOUNTED GAMES WIN AND A PLACE IN THE ENGLAND TEAM!
There has been a winning start to the season for Isla Holman-West and the North Warwickshire Hunt Pony Club Mounted Games team.
The first friendly competition of the season kicked off at Onley Equestrian Centre on Sunday 18th February. With 16 teams taking part North Warwickshire made a good start and won their heat in comfortable fashion and qualified for the A Final. There were only 4 points between all four teams and North Warwickshire tied for the top - a tie race had to be run to determine the winner. Sadly for the competitors, their ball toppled off the cone and North Warwickshire had the upper hand, the team completed without fault to take the win!
This weekend Isla achieved her dream of riding for her country as she trialled and was selected to represent England at mounted games!
The top 35 riders in the country, chosen from Pony Clubs across England, were competing for the five coveted team places and the competition was fierce. Despite freezing conditions and numb hands (no coats or gloves allowed!) Isla and her pony Casper held it all together to complete what appeared to be a perfect trial. After a nervous wait, in a line up with all the other competitors, Isla's name and number was called out to cheers of celebration from everyone that was there to support her. Needless to say there was one very proud Mummy and Daddy amongst the crowd!
Next stop is the Royal Windsor Horse Show, in May, and tea with the Queen, followed by The Curragh Racecourse in Ireland in October - no pressure Isla!