Students enjoy top equestrian contest

Three Furness College animal management students enjoyed success at the STARS Champion of Champions, the UKs biggest Riding Club Championship event.

Emma Jones, Hollie-Mae Dickinson and Ella Hunter qualified for the event at Aintree International Equestrian Centre, home of the Grand National in Liverpool, against competitors from around the country.

The three students all competed at Ulverston and District Equine Club throughout the summer to gain points to qualify to compete at STARS in their relevant classes. At the final they competed in classes against 50 other competitors.

Hollie-Mae Dickinson, who is in her second year at Barrow Sixth Form, won an award for Best Turned Out in the Ridden Native, Cob and Traditional Coloured class, which had 52 entries. Hollie also competed in the in hand coloured pony class. Meanwhile, Emma Jones competed in the Ridden Cob class, and Ella Hunter in the in hand native small breeds.

They were supported by college staff member Alice Longmire who organised local riders to take part in the prestigious event, which is an end of season finale for riding and pony club competitors.

Photo: Sixthformer Emma Jones in action at the STARS Equestrian event in Liverpool.