An Aspiring Olympic equestrian celebrated a stellar set of GCSE results on Thursday –the same day she qualified for Britain’s top equestrian show.
Bradford Grammar School student, Lucinda L, 16, was overjoyed with her seven grade 9s and four grade 8s on the same day she won her Open A class in South Wales, on her horse Rocky, qualifying her for the Horse of the Year show.
Said Lucinda: “I did want to collect my GCSEs in person but qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show has made it all worthwhile not being there.
“I’m over the moon with my results. The teachers at BGS have been so supportive and the help they’ve given me has been incredible.”
Lucinda makes a three-hour round trip each day to BGS by car and train from her home in Bolton-by-Bowland, near Clitheroe.
The teenager rides and competes on three horses – Rose, Rocky and Stanley – and was crowned Junior Champion at the Horse of the Year Show in 2023. This year she placed 2nd at the Royal International Horse Show in the 143cm show hunter class on Stanley, and 4th in the Welsh A and B Open class on Rocky, a title she had previously won in both 2021 and 2022.
Her long-term ambition is to compete at the European Championships in dressage, with the ultimate dream of one day representing Team GB at the Olympic Games.
Lucinda said: “Balancing my school work and riding commitments can be challenging at times, especially with my three-hour daily commute, but my strive to succeed in both riding and academics, along with the support of BGS and my family, has enabled me to compete at the highest level while still focusing on my studies.”
In September, she will join BGS Sixth Form to study Maths, Chemistry, Economics and Psychology at A Level, with ambitions to pursue a career in agricultural finance to support her riding and farming interests.
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, Headmaster at BGS, said: “Lucinda shows what can be achieved when passion and commitment come together. To combine the demands of elite equestrian sport with the dedication required for her studies is hugely impressive.
“Her success is richly deserved, and we will continue to support her as she pursues excellence both in the arena and in the classroom.”
“Balancing my school work and riding commitments can be challenging at times, especially with my three-hour daily commute, but my strive to succeed in both riding and academics, along with the support of BGS and my family, has enabled me to compete at the highest level while still focusing on my studies.”