An 11-year-old girl from Oakenshaw made her European debut at a rodeo event in Malta earlier this month.
Eloisa Atkinson was one of the youngest to compete in her category at the Golden Buckle Barrel Racing competition and came in 10th place, after only being given one day to get to know her pony, King.
Barrel Jumping is an event where the rider has to run a cloverleaf pattern around barrels in the fastest time.
Eloisa and her five teammates, who make up the 4 Strides Equestrian Barrel Racing team, based in Lincolnshire all went to Malta between October 11 and October 16 for the competition.
This was her first time competing after taking up the sport a year ago and a huge opportunity for someone so young.
She said: “It was so exciting and I really enjoyed it.
“The best part was being supported by everyone whilst I was riding.”
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Her Mum, stepdad and brother, as well as her best friend and her family all went out to support Eloisa as she competed.
Mum Alison Kopasz said: “I’m so proud of Eloisa and what she achieved.
“Coming in 10th place on a horse that wasn’t her own, shows that she’s got potential.
“So many other riders complimented her and her riding which was good to see.”
While in Malta, Eloisa was given the opportunity to have a training session with a top American barrel jumper, Pete Oen, who currently holds the World Champion title.
“She took to the training so well and used the guidance she received in her competition.
She rode three rounds of the course and was one of the only participants who didn’t knock over a barrel in her three rounds.
Her fastest time to complete the course was 19 seconds.
Eloisa is more inspired now than ever before and wants to partake in an international competition.
“I’m so glad that she’s enjoying and we are looking at competitions for next year.
“There’s one in Northern Italy that we are looking into and maybe one in America.”
Earlier this year, Eloisa started a fundraising page to help get her to the competition and pay for her horse hire.
The competition had 200 participants in total with riders from across Europe.
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