Teenager becomes youngest endurance champion
A 15-year-old girl has become the youngest rider to win Endurance GB’s (EGB) supreme champion trophy.
Hannah Maskell, from Buckinghamshire, won the trophy in her first competitive season — where riders race against each other over distances of no less than 80km.
The trophy is awarded to the horse and rider combination gaining the most points in all types of competitions run by EGB over the 2014 season, which runs from March until October.
Hannah’s successful season started with a win at her first 80km race in Brandon, Norfolk, on 27 April last year. She remained unbeaten in her next four races.
Last June, Hannah also won the young rider national title at Cirencester Park.
She said her horse Joyce’s Choice, “Jimmi”, is not the typical a Arabian endurance horse but a 16hh Irish Sports horse.
Hannah started endurance riding seven years ago with the Pony Club, and affiliated with EGB in 2011 to increase the distances she could compete in.
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“Pony Club endurance is an ideal way to get into endurance if you have not done it before,” said Hannah.
“Once I tried endurance there was no looking back as it’s a great sport where you can really get to know your horse better. I would encourage all young riders to give it a go.”
This year Hannah wants to attempt the Red Dragon ride held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on 2-4 October.
The 2015 endurance season kicks off on 1 March with the Forest of Dean — March Hares ride, and in Lincolnshire the Wootton ride takes place over distances up to 65km.
For more information visit: www.endurancegb.co.uk
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