Isle of Wight horse rider crowned National Junior Endurance Champion

A young equestrian from Niton has been crowned Endurance GB Junior Champion following an outstanding year of national competition.

Twelve-year-old Alice Critchison secured the prestigious title after consistently high-scoring performances throughout the 2025 season, competing with her pony, Ashley Kate – known as Pumpkin.

Alice specialises in endurance riding, a long-distance equestrian sport that tests a horse’s stamina, speed and the rider’s horsemanship across challenging terrain. The discipline places strong emphasis on horse welfare, with mandatory veterinary checks during and after rides to ensure horses remain fit to continue. Distances range from shorter rides of 16km to elite events covering up to 160km in a single day, where finishing in excellent condition is often valued as highly as speed.

During the season, Alice travelled across the UK to compete, supported with cross-Solent travel sponsorship from Wightlink, awarded through the Isle of Wight Council Talented Athlete Scheme.

In recognition of her commitment to the sport, Alice was also named Endurance GB Young Volunteer of the Year, having regularly given her time to support events and assist organisers throughout the year.

Following her success, Alice has been awarded a place on the 2026 Talented Athlete Scheme, meaning she will continue to receive travel support from Wightlink, along with a range of additional benefits including access to the council’s One Leisure facilities and discounted specialist sports massage and physiotherapy services.

Sam Woodman, Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, said: “We are so proud of Alice and pleased that her hard work has been rewarded as she is a very deserving champion. Stories like Alice’s really reinforce why Wightlink is so keen to support the Talented Athlete Scheme, giving Island athletes the support they need to do their very best. We wish Alice and Pumpkin every success for the 2026 Endurance GB season and can’t wait to see what they achieve next.”

Alice said: “Pumpkin and I had a great year, and I am so proud of what we achieved. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my mum and granny, who are always by my side supporting me with training and events. The support through the Talented Athlete Scheme is also invaluable, especially as all my competitions take place on the mainland. I can’t wait for the 2026 season to begin.”