08-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Bangor showjumper awarded scholarship at St Gerard's
Grace Owen, 15, will begin her A Levels this summer at St Gerard's School after being awarded a sports scholarship.
She said: "I've been riding for a long time, but it was only two or three years ago when I really started to compete in the British Showjumping events and took it to the next level.
"This is my last year on ponies, I will be moving up to ride horses and jump seniors which I'm really looking forward to.
"It will be very different, and the fences will be higher, but I am ready for the challenge."
The young equestrian has been riding since the age of three and has competed nationally on ponies Milo and Stella.
Her short-term goal is to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) later this year, where she will compete in her age and height category.
She also hopes to represent Wales in future competitions.
Grace recently competed in the Blue Chip Championships and is aiming for the HOYS qualifiers in the coming months.
READ MORE: Popular family attraction in Gwynedd launches its first ever alpaca walks!
She said: "To be able to do this with the backing of my teachers, friends and everyone at St Gerard's gives me a huge boost, especially as while showjumping I will be studying for A Levels and working towards a career in veterinary science.
"The sports side of horses is where I see my future, it's going to be a busy and challenging couple of years ahead, but I am excited to see how it all unfolds."
Her parents, Amanda and Matt, praised the support Grace has received from the school.
Amanda said: "Families with sports-minded children in particular would benefit from the amazing environment at St Gerard's which is so welcoming while encouraging pupils to work hard and reach their potential."
Matt added: "She has only been jumping competitively for a few years but has come so far; most importantly she is passionate about it and St Gerard's is helping her to realise her dreams."
