Teenager, 15, wins national working equitation title

Victoria Slater, 15, from Middle Wallop, was crowned national working equitation champion and now aims to represent Team GB at the junior world championships in 2027.

Working equitation is an equestrian discipline that began in 1996 and includes three phases: dressage, ease of handling, and speed.

Victoria said: "I always try to keep the goal in mind; it helps me understand what I’m aiming for and keeps me in focus."

She hopes to qualify for the next round of international competitions, which would put her in contention for the junior world championship.

Victoria’s mother, Marie, said: "Bless her, she was there at the nationals and also revising, because she’s gone straight back into mocks this year, so she’s working hard."

It begins with a dressage test, followed by an obstacle course that includes gates, bridges, slaloms, and poles.

Victoria Slater (Image: Happy Hoof Pics)

The final phase is a timed run through the same obstacles.

The UK championship is entirely self-funded, and Victoria’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with the costs of competing internationally.

Marie said: "Horses give them such a great opportunity to learn so much, from the cleaning of the horses, the discipline of having to look after them every day, to train them; there are so many life skills."

Victoria has been riding since she was three.

She is a student at Danebury School in Stockbridge, which she says has been very supportive.

Victoria said: "I’ve told my friends what happens and they’re just as excited as I am. I’m very lucky to have a school that is supportive of my competing and my training."

Her GoFundMe page, "Victoria Slater – The Road to the 2027 Junior World Champs," aims to raise funds to make her world championship dream a reality.

More information about her journey and how to support her can be found at gofundme.com/f/victoria-slater-the-road-to-the-2027-junior-world-champs.