Rye rider named world champion in the Mounted Games in Normandy
A 25-year-old woman from East Sussex has been crowned world champion in the Mounted Games, an equestrian competition which took place in Normandy, France.The games were first introduced at the Prince Phillip Cup in 1957, as he wanted a more accessible and cheaper option for riders, with participation now increasing in countries like Nigeria, Mexico and Australia.Men and women can compete together or individually, with Eleanor Wheeler becoming the first female to win the World Championships in 16 years.She said: "It's so fun to test your agility, speed, and athleticism with you and your pony - it's a bit like stunt racing on ponies."
Eleanor's mother, Alex Wheeler, introduced her daughter to Mounted Games after competing herself and said she was "amazingly proud" of her."Something that was a hobby, has turned into a little bit more, it's totally taken over me and my family's life," she said, adding that Eleanor's dad who "wasn't horsey at all" now drives the pony across Europe, and sorts out all the equipment for them.
The games includes races such as the five flag, where riders reach and pick up and drop off flags from their pony; the toolbox, where hammers are picked up and dropped, and "the sword," a relay race where riders pick up rings off poles with a sword.
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