Best Young Riders to Compete at Bishop Burton College

The riders, all of which are under 18, have been selected as the best in their region to compete in a range of dressing, showjumping and cross country classes from Thursday 4th August to Sunday 7th August. 

Catherine Sykes, Equine Event Coordinator at Bishop Burton College, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the International Youth Championships for the second year, especially as this year we can welcome spectators without COVID-19 restrictions. 

“Our course designer, Joe Weller, has done a spectacular job at transforming our parkland ready for the event. The cross country competition on Saturday 6th August is sure to be a highlight. 

“We’re especially excited that one of our own students - Lucy Proctor-Copeland – has been chosen to represent the north!" 

An exciting opening ceremony, exclusively for riders and their family, will kick start the competition on Wednesday 3rd August. The ceremony will feature professional student rider Katharine Pickering, who has featured in productions such as Victoria and Wonder Woman 1984, as well as performing at events such as the Horse of the Year Show and Great Yorkshire Show. 

Katharine’s performance will include liberty, where the horse has no tack, classical dressage with Grand Prix rider Edward Creamer, dare devil trick riding and even some fire. 

Katharine said: “I am so excited to be back at Bishop Burton! I’ve experienced so many firsts here and been involved with the displays and demonstrations, it just feels like coming back to where it all started for me.  

“It’s great to be performing inside Bishop Burton’s incredible indoor arena, which makes a huge difference to us and our horses. The facilities are top class, and this allows us to perform at our best.” 

Bishop Burton College, which offers college and university level courses in a wide range of subjects, will also be tapping into its facilities to offer competitors and their families a range of unique experiences.  Events include a demonstration of Bishop Burton’s equine water treadmill, an equine science experience in the specialist laboratories and a tour of the animal unit, featuring the college’s new porcupine and mongoose.

Admission to the championships is free and spectators will be able to treat themselves with a number of trade stands.

Sponsors of the event include Baileys Horse Feeds, NFU Mutual, Visit East Yorkshire, Bedmax Shavings and Lindum. 

More details about the Bishop Burton International Youth Championships can be found here.