Busy year ahead as Alison takes first step on World Class plan

BOTH her parents have competed internationally in show-jumping and now Alison Barton is following in the family tradition.

The 18-year-old from Wilsden, Bradford was recently selected by the British Equestrian Federation for its World Class Development Programme.

This is a major step up for Alison and recognition of her talent and potential. Her parents, Richard and Janet, are delighted but realise there is going to be a lot of hard work ahead.

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Both rode on senior Nations Cup teams and when Alison was growing up they were determined not to push her into competing.

Her first pony when she was very young, Bobo, came on loan from John Whitaker.

This was followed by a 13.2hh pony that Alison learned to ride on and gain confidence and she began to enter small competitions.

After a while, it became obvious that riding was going to be her passion and when she was 14, her headmistress at Bradford Girls Grammar School allowed her to attend school part time so that she could concentrate on her riding.

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“We didn’t want her to compete when she was younger because we wanted to make sure she was keen and had the commitment,” said Janet. “She proved to us that she really wanted to do it.”

Being accepted onto the World Class Development Programme involves a fairly daunting interview followed by the rider going through their paces on horseback in front of Rob Hoekstra, World Class Show-jumping performance manager and the manager of Britain’s show-jumping team.

“When we heard Alison had been accepted onto the pre-start part of the development programme we could hardly believe it,” said Janet.

“Her horse, Verlindo, is unruly. He’s highly strung and young but he has a lot of scope. So they must have seen that she’s determined and that he has the ability.”

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This group of young riders, who include George Whitaker, have already had their first training session. Since returning home from that, Alison has been laid low with flu this week but hopes to be back on her feet as soon as possible.

She competed at the Junior European Championships in 2009 and at the British Open Show-jumping Championships in Belgium last year where she rode Saffier Van de Brandkreek, otherwise known as Herbie, who has been one of her top rides.

Alison now has the backing of five owners, including the owner of Verlindo, Giles Moonie. “She’s slowly building a good string and is riding about eight horses at the moment,” said Janet.

Life is hectic for the whole family. Richard is still competing as well as teaching and Janet works as an equine physiotherapist as well as driving Alison to events and now training sessions.

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Five Yorkshire riders were among those selected for the show-jumping section of the World Class Development Programme.

They include Joe Clayton, Dan Nielson, Matt Sampson and George and William Whitaker.

“This is recognition for the hard work they have done and they have proved that they are worth the commitment and time that the programme will involve,” said Janet.

A busy year lies ahead for them all. And next on Alison’s list is the very practical matter of taking her HGV test.

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