Top RGS rider to represent the North of England

A TALENTED Ripon Grammar School horse rider has been ranked fourth in the country.

Cassie Holliday, who holds the top position on the regional leader board will now represent the Northern of England at prestigious international championships.

The 16-year-old, from Ripon will be competing as part of the U18 100 squad in the youth championships, which attract riders from all over England, Scotland and Wales as well as from overseas, at Bishop Burton from July 24 to 27.

Cassie, who started riding at just six years old, revealed that she plans to stop riding for a couple of years at the end of the summer as she wants to concentrate on her A-level exams.

“Naturally as this is one of my last huge competitions and I am really looking forward to the atmosphere and excitement which these shows bring,” she said.

This eventing season has been particularly successful for Cassie and her Connemara pony, Shanbo Dun, with highlights including first, third and fourth place finishes at various events throughout the country.

“The Northern region selection was based on our performance on the regional leader board, where we currently hold the top position. Nationally, we are ranked fourth, which is a position I never would have expected.”

She explained: “After A-levels in physics, biology and art and a gap year during which I will spend time travelling, including working on ranches in South America, I will pick eventing back up. Eventually, I hope to have a career in something equine-related.

"This was a difficult decision to make however the most realistic as I also have a part time job and I need to save money up for the gap year."