Chloe clinches eighth place for Great Britain
SIXTH form student Chloe Vell battled sweltering 40 degree temperatures to bag eighth place in an international equestrian competition.
Chloe, 17, who lives on Dunbah Lane in Prestbury, was part of the Great Britain team in the U18 dressage section at the International Federation for Equestrian Sports’ European Championships in Vidauban in south west France.
The teenager’s mum and dad, Tracey and Mike, joined their daughter for the week- long competition.
The Withington Girls’ School pupil’s team got off to a good start on the first day, achieving a score of 67.6 per cent in the team test, ranking them eighth out of 15 countries overall including France, Italy, Germany and Russia.
The second day also began well, with the youngster, who has 45 caps to her name, in the lead after her trot work for which she was scored 72 per cent.
The remainder of the day proved more of a challenge though, with Chloe’s horse Kaja finally buckling in the heat and reducing Chloe’s score dramatically.
Chloe’s mum Dr Tracey Vell, said: “Kaja misbehaved badly, so the day ended in disappointment after a promising start but the competition was still a tremendous experience for Chloe.
“She enjoyed being part of a team, as it’s usually such an individual sport, and she enjoyed meeting her riding friends from other countries.”
The schoolgirl, who hopes to study medicine, was first chosen to represent Great Britain for dressage at the age of 12.
She has been a keen rider since the age of four and was one of just four riders representing Great Britain in her age group at the competition.
Training three times per week with her horse, the pair will both now have a well-earned rest.
Chloe said: “This was my second Europeans. I’m delighted that we got through again and hopefully Kaja will be on better behaviour next time!”