Seventeen-year-old Katie Bedwin and her horse Elayla took part in this year’s Haywood Oaks endurance ride. The one-day, 100-mile race saw Katie and Elayla and the three others in her class starting at 6am. By the third vet gate, only Katie and one other experienced competitor remained in the race and the Farlington student rode most of the distance alone, finishing in second place, six minutes behind the first horse. Katie is the youngest person by two years to complete this distance in an endurance GB event.
By successfully competing in this ride, Katie has qualified for both the young rider and senior elite squads of which there are currently only 10 combinations in the UK. This distance is the top of the endurance ladder and would make her an elite rider.
Sara Whittaker, Farlington’s director of PE and sport, said: “We are very proud of Katie’s achievements. She is very passionate about her sport and throws herself into everything she does. She is a great all-rounder and a credit to Farlington.”
