Forest pupils share England glory at Mounted Games World Championships

TWO local students were part of England’s victorious U17 outfit at the Mounted Games World Championships.

Joe Pink, who is doing his A-Levels at Highcliffe School and Amelia Swan, from Ringwood School, tasted victory at the event, held in Carmarthen in Wales.

It was the first time the national side, which consists of five riders and one reserve rider, has won the title since 2014 and is a huge achievement given the talent on display.

To win England fended off competition from a host of countries, including Scotland, Wales, France, Sweden, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, USA, South Africa, Denmark and Germany.

The triumph followed the team finishing as reserve champions at the European Championship, which was staged in Ireland.

Mounted games is a branch of equestrian sport in which very fast games are played by people of all ages on ponies up to a height of 15 hands.

They require a high degree of athletic ability, good riding skills, hand-to-eye coordination, determination, perseverance, and an ability to work with other riders.

Both members of the West Hampshire Pony Club – which trains at Parley Equestrian Centre – Joe competes on his pony Bunny, while Amelia’s pony is called Hattie.