A TEENAGER is riding high after been crowned Pony Club National Eventing Champion after an extraordinary summer of success in the saddle.

South Herefordshire and Ross Harriers’ rider Libby Wenden, a year 10 student at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, secured victory at Offchurch Bury in Warwickshire competing against some of the country’s leading young riders.

The achievement capped a remarkable season for Langrove’s Libby, who also won both the Pony Club Area Nine Dressage Qualifier and the Pony Club Area Nine eventing Qualifier.

Libby Wenden leaps to victory aboard Dunloughlan
Libby Wenden leaps to victory aboard Dunloughlan (Haberdashers' Monmouth)

With her trusted horse Dunloughlan, a 19-year-old dun-coloured gelding whom has been with the family for the past two years, Libby has enjoyed a summer to remember.

Last year, she represented the school at the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Championships at Hickstead, the home of British showjumping. in he eventers’ challenge.

She further distinguished herself in the dressage phase, representing South Wales as an individual as well as the school, placing seventh in both of her individual classes.

Eventing is widely regarded as one of equestrian sport’s most demanding disciplines, combining dressage, show jumping and cross-country.

Such requires not only athletic ability and technical skill, but also an exceptional partnership between horse and rider.

Libby and Dunloughlan demonstrated exactly that throughout this season, consistently delivering impressive performances against strong competition.

The national title is the latest in a growing list of achievements for Libby.

Earlier this year, she won both of her classes at a schools dressage competition to qualify individually for the National School Equestrian Association Championships at Hickstead again, while also helping Haberdashers’ Monmouth School teams secure qualification for the national finals.

Libby also claimed victory in the 90cm class at the SEG One Day Event at Dauntsey, qualifying for the School Equestrian Games Eventing Championships and further cementing her reputation as one of the region’s most promising young riders.