Katie sets her sights on Euro crown
Junior title bid
Killearn teenager Katie Henderson is heading to Hungary next week, hoping to return home as a European champion.
The 14-yearold Balfron High School pupil is one of the country’s top equestrian vaulters, where competitors perform gymnastics on horseback. She has been selected by Great Britain for the Junior European Championships. She and her friend Kerri Brylka will compete in the pairs class, riding on Captain Jack.
And she is looking forward to what she says will be “a great experience.”
The youngster has been involved in the sport for around nine years after starting in gymnastics.
“I saw a display of equestrian vaulting at the Drymen Show and just knew I had to have a go,” said Katie.
“I love gymnastics and I love horses and just love it.”
Katie and 16 year-old Kerri, from Lanarkshire, are members of the Wee County Vaulters in Tillicoultry.
The duo have only been partners since the turn of the year but they have already had some success, winning gold at the CVI Pezinok event in Slovakia.
They also two of the sport’s top performers as coaches at their home club in Joanne and Hannah Eccles, who won a host of World and European honours between them
“It’s great to have them coaching us,” said Katie. “They are absolutely brilliant.”
She added: “It’s the first year I’ve ever been to the European Championship and my goal is to get to the World Equestrian Games some day.
“It’s going to be a great experience for me.”
Kerri and clubmate Mhairi Hume will also take part in the female individual event in Hungary.
I saw a display at the Drymen Show and just knew I had to have a go