Huish student Alex represents GB in showjumping

6 June 2023

Richard Huish College student, Alex Atherton, competed in a series of international showjumping competitions in May.

They represented Great Britain in a Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Concours de Saut International (CSI) 1* tour at Lummen in Belgium. They came fifth on their gelding, Como, and sixth on their mare, Zarifa, in the 1.10m height competition after finishing on double clears which qualified them for the jump-off.

Alex, who is studying uniformed protective services at Huish, also competed at Peelbergen in the Netherlands in a Pro Tour. They came fifth out of 80 international competitors on Zarifa in the 1.10m, and 16th of 90 on Como in the 1.15m, jumping clear rounds on both horses.

Alex, 18, from Crewkerne, has been riding since they were four years old and started show jumping when they joined Seavington Pony Club. They went on to compete in British Showjumping teams and in National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions, regularly winning prizes for their schools.

Alex began competing in international competitions in 2022 when they went to train with Victor Kumps and his father Jos, who coaches the Belgium and Brazilian Olympic teams. In the UK Alex trains with Jabeena Maslin MBE, the GB modern pentathlon coach, and Alex Valentine in Beaminster in Dorset.

Victor Kumps said: “We are very proud of Alex, they have made immense progress since they started to train with us. Alex is a very good rider, who trains really hard, and we are looking forward to seeing them compete at a high level in the international field in the coming years.”

Alex said: “I am very lucky to have the opportunity to compete abroad and to have two amazing horses who always do their best for me. It is a privilege to be able to represent GB in showjumping and I am hoping to compete in competitions in France and Spain next year.”