A 12-year-old girl is appealing for donations as she prepares to take part in an overseas horseriding competition. 

Eloisa Atkinson from Oakenshaw will be travelling to Malta in October 2022 to compete in The Golden Buckle Barrel Racing Competition.

She and her five teammates, who make up the 4 Strides Equestrian Barrel Racing team, based in Lincolnshire will be competing.

Eloisa believes she is the first youth to compete in a European event 

She said: “I’m really excited to go to Malta and compete in the competition.

“I can’t wait to ride a big horse because I usually practice on ponies.

“My mum, stepdad, and brother will be coming with me and it’s nice to have their support and encouragement while I’m competing.”

Barrel Racing, more popular in America is a Western style of horseriding, where the participant must ride around three barrels in the shape of a three-leafed clover.

Participants do not bring their own horses but are expected to complete the course on any horse provided.

Eloisa has set up a fundraising page to help pay for her costs in Malta such as horse hire.

Eloisa’s mum, Alison Woolley, said: “I am so proud of her.

“She started a year ago and we saw how talented she was.

“After Covid, I think it's important she takes any opportunities presented to her, so we're excited for this.

“I think I’m more nervous about it than her, but I can’t wait to cheer her on from the sidelines.”

If Eloisa ranks in the top three at the Golden Buckle Barrel Racing Competiton, she could be in with a chance to go to Texas, USA.

Here is a link to Eloisa's go fund me page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/eloisas-barrel-racing-dream

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