Student celebrates “massive” showjumping win

A talented young rider has her sights set on a showjumping career after taking first place in a national schools’ championship.

Harriet Otter, 16, a Year 11 student at Ellesmere College in Shropshire, celebrated her biggest win to date when she and her 14-year-old mare, Annie, jumped clear to win the Just For Schools 1.10m individual final at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire.

Harriet’s a member of the Ellesmere College equestrian team and said the Bolesworth win was “amazing”.

“It was a great experience,” she said. “I always go into the ring with the state of mind that we’re going to win, but there were so many good riders there from across the country. We were competing against 17 other horses and riders!

“I jumped early in the class, and then had to wait and watch everyone else hoping we’d done enough. I was so happy with the way Annie performed.

“I would like showjumping to be my career. I have some amazing friends in the business, work with some brilliant trainers, and this is the biggest event we’ve won, so fingers crossed for the future. This win is a massive one for me.”