Rosanna to represent England after sudden change in rules

It’s been a busy few weeks for singles driver Rosanna Walter-Symons as she prepares to head out to the Junior World championships in Hungary next month after a sudden change in rules.

“I didn’t think I was able to go because I am too old but there are now two events (FEI and ICKD) with older age groups, so I have been selected,” said the delighted 18-year-old from Holbeton, Plymouth who will represent England for the second time. In 2008 she came home from the championships in Austria with a team bronze.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to go again,” said Rosanna who will be wrapping up her consistent campaigner, Dabernon Tiger Woods, in cotton wool.

She has been competing her Welsh section D, known as Bailey at home, at Intermediate level this season and aims to take him to the National championships in September, assuming all goes to plan in Hungary. “It’s going to be quite tough going for the ponies because of the heat but they will be clipped and we’ll keep the fluids going,” said Rosanna who has partnered Bailey for the past four years and is a member of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). The pair were National Novice champions in 2009.

“It’s generally a nerve wracking time as I get my A-level results just before I leave,” added Rosanna, who is hoping to study Psychology at Exeter University.

Joining Rosanna on the trip to Hungary is Jack Thorne who makes his international debut driving his pony Indy in the ICKD (International Collective Kids Driving) event.

“We’re really looking forward to the experience,” said 14-year-old Jack from Bideford, North Devon who has a relatively new partnership with Indy who he bought from Barbara Nadin who he had lessons with.