Are Ben and George the youngest world champions ever?

Ben Hopkins and George Knight Eddins have been crowned as world pairs mounted games champions (under 12), at just 10 and 11 years old.

The 21st world pairs championship saw 120 pairs from all over the world travel to compete. The yearly event was held at Newark and Nottingham Showground on 15-16 September 2012.

Ben and George stormed their three qualifying sessions and semi-final over the weekend, heading into Sunday’s final as favourites. And they didn’t disappoint beating British pair, Eleanor Wheeler and Carline Barbour, to take the title.

After joining forces earlier this year, the boys have had great success riding for Monmouthshire Pony Club and Monmouthshire Mounted Games Team.

Gemma Hopkins, Ben’s mum said: “We are all very proud that Monmouthshire now has two world champions and the boys really do feel on top of the world.

“It’s a great start and will stand them in good stead for their future in equestrianism. It teaches them to be a team player, which is so important in life, as well as teaching them about being competitive.”

Ben and George weren’t the only Brits that had success at the event. Mercedes Lock and Guy Gorvett took the under-17 championship title and Danny Spencer won the open category with Irish partner, Mark Devitt.

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