Talented Lily Diggle shone on the national stage when she represented Delamere Academy at the schools show jumping championships.
The 11-year-old, from Tarporley, earned her place at the National Schools’ Equestrian Association (NSEA) Championship finals when she won the mini and novice qualifier in Staffordshire earlier this month.
The qualifier victory was all the more impressive as it was Lily’s first outing since dislocating her elbow and missing out on an earlier qualifier.
Now Lily and her veteran 22-year-old pony Crackerjack have gone head-to-head with the best young riders from across the country in Addington.
And she did Delamere proud by battling through to the final and recording a top-eight finish at an event which saw more than 500 riders in action at Buckinghamshire.
Lily benefits from sponsorship backing from Delamere Academy, and headteacher Steve Docking is delighted with her progress.
He said: “We work incredibly hard to help our pupils reach their potential and we’re all proud of what she has done.
“She has come back from a nasty injury to deliver an outstanding performance.”
NSEA is the recognised body for equestrianism in schools throughout the UK. It provides intra and inter-schools competitions for team and individual riders.
