Alex Cann

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Nik Kershaw

Wouldn't It Be Good

Listen Live Podcasts

Ripon horse rider named fourth best in the country

Monday, 22 July 2024 07:49

Ripon's Cassie Holliday, 16, is among the best in the country.

A talented Ripon Grammar School horse rider has been ranked fourth in the country.

Cassie Holliday, who holds the top position on the regional leader board, will now represent the North of England at the prestigious international championships.

The 16-year-old from Ripon will be competing as part of the Under 18 100 squad in the youth championships, which attract riders from all over England, Scotland and Wales as well as from overseas, at Bishop Burton from July 24th to 27th.

Cassie, who started riding at just six years old, revealed that she plans to stop riding for a couple of years at the end of the summer as she wants to concentrate on her A-level exams.

She said:

“Naturally as this is one of my last huge competitions and I am really looking forward to the atmosphere and excitement which these shows bring.”

This eventing season has been particularly successful for Cassie and her Connemara pony, Shanbo Dun, with highlights including first, third and fourth place finishes at various events throughout the country.

Cassie said:

“The Northern region selection was based on our performance on the regional leaderboard, where we currently hold the top position.

"Nationally, we are ranked fourth, which is a position I never would have expected.”

She added:

"After A-levels in physics, biology and art and a gap year during which I will spend time travelling, including working on ranches in South America, I will pick eventing back up.

"Eventually, I hope to have a career in something equine-related.

"This was a difficult decision to make however the most realistic as I also have a part time job and I need to save money up for the gap year."

More from Local News

Viral pub crawler returns to Knaresborough pubs

The creator behind The Great British Pub Crawl returned to Knaresborough as part of a long-running national project documenting pubs across the UK.
Coral Windows begins new sponsorship with Harrogate Junior football club

A Harrogate junior football club has gained new support from a regional business, as Coral Windows begins a sponsorship partnership with Pannal Ash Junior Football Club.
Tickets go on sale for Love to Be Festival 2026 in Harrogate

Tickets of popular festival went on sale on 27th October following the pre sale to previous attendees in September.
Allotment in Harrogate sell pumpkins to raise money for community shed

An allotment in Bilton are raising funds to complete a new shed and toilet facility at the Bachelor Gardens allotments.
Mayor of North Yorkshire visits Harrogate company to reduce digital inequality

A Harrogate technology company and a partner charity focused on digital inclusion welcomed the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, as part of a visit centre.
New mental health hub opens in Harrogate

A new mental health hub has opened in Harrogate, providing a modern base for both children’s and adult services in the town.
Stump Cross Cavern shortlisted for People's Choice Award

The much-loved local attraction is celebrating after being named a finalist in the People’s Choice category.
Your Christmas to provide seasonal joy on DAB across North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is getting its own special Christmas present this year - a radio station playing non-stop festive favourites and a flavour of the best of life at Christmas in the county.
Communities asked to help support new opportunities in Harrogate

Communities and businesses in Harrogate are being invited to help shape ambitious new plans to boost investment and opportunities in the town.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust signs Smokefree Pledge

The trust confirmed its commitment to supporting patients, staff and the local community to quit smoking.
Henshaws Festive Showcase to return to Ripon for a second year

The Henshaws Festive Showcase will return to Ripon Cathedral on Monday 24th November 2025, following a successful debut last year.
Dame Judi Dench calls Harrogate Spring Water plans '‘environmental vandalism’

A decision on plans by Harrogate Spring Water to remove part of Rotary Wood for expansion has been delayed, following a meeting at Harrogate’s Civic Centre.
Theme park in Ripon listed for sale at £3 Million

Lightwater Valley, one of Yorkshire’s best-known family attractions, has been listed for sale with an asking price of £3 million.
Ripon Community Bonfire to return next week

Specsavers Ripon has been announced as the lead sponsor for this year’s Ripon Rowels Rotary Club Bonfire and Firework Display.
Harrogate festival shortlisted for 'Best Festival Newcomer' award

Love to be… Harrogate Festival has been shortlisted for the “Best Festival Newcomer” category at the 2025 Access All Areas Awards.
Do Not Drink Warning issued for parts of Harrogate after water quality tests

Residents in parts of the Harrogate district are being advised not to drink their tap water following test results showing the supply does not currently meet usual safety standards.
Police identify man who died after collision in Beckwithshaw

The police have revealed the identity of the man who died last Friday after a collision.
Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has spoken in Parliament about adopting a more flexible approach to school term-time holidays.
Specsavers to support Halloween events in Ripon

Children in the local community are being invited to take part in a range of Halloween-themed activities at Specsavers Ripon this half term.
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

83-year-old great-grandmother Alys Allardyce, President of the Rotary Club of Ripon, has completed one of Europe’s fastest zip lines to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.