8th July 2010
Seventeen year old Eliza Stoddart, from Horninghold, Leicestershire, scooped the top spot at the Glanusk International Horse Trials (1-4 July) - taking the under 18 title with her horse Strike a Pose.
The up and coming event rider is on the British Equestrian Federation's (BEF) East Midlands Regional Foundation Squad, which aims to identify and support riders who show the potential to progress and be successful in International competition.
Eliza and Strike a Pose (stable name Striker) had an impressive three days scoring 42.1 in the dressage and a double clear in the Cross country and Show Jumping - securing her first place as the under 18 Champion out of a class of 31.
Eliza has owned seven year old Striker, since he was four years old, and puts their success down to the strong relationship that has formed over the years. The pair currently train with Hillary Westropp, Christie Wright and Tim Brown.
"Striker really gave it his all and was on great form," said Eliza on winning the class. "I couldn't have done it without the help and support of my family."
This win was especially impressive for Eliza, as she has only just completed her AS level exams. In the future Eliza hopes to be long listed and ultimately selected for the junior eventing team and compete at the European Eventing Championships which will be held in Germany this year. Eliza hopes to do this with the continued help and support she receives from the Regional Foundation Squad.
Eliza was part of the silver medal winning team and fifth individually in the 2008 Pony European Eventing Championships on her ride Killacoran Blue and finished second at the JRN Championships last season on Strike a Pose. She was selected for the Regional Foundation Squad at the end of last year by selector Kenneth Clawson and was awarded 'gold' status, based on her performance and commitment to the Programme, at her review in April.
The Regional Foundation Squads have been set up through funding from Sport England and are being co-ordinated by the BEF. The squads include the three Olympic and one Paralympic disciplines - dressage, eventing, show jumping and para-equestrian dressage.
