Level 3 Animal Care student crowned national endurance champion

A huge congratulations to Leola H, a Level 3 Animal Care student at Oaklands College, who has won the 2026 Pony Club Elite Endurance Championship over an impressive 80km (50-mile) course in the Welsh hills.

Riding her 17-year-old purebred Arabian mare, HB Pandora, affectionately known as Dory, Leola took on challenging mountainous terrain at the Red Dragon Festival of Endurance in mid-Wales.

The pair delivered an outstanding performance, demonstrating excellent pacing and recovery times while passing the competition’s rigorous veterinary checks, where horse welfare is a top priority.

Leola, who has been competing in endurance riding for four years, has built a strong bond with Dory over the past two seasons. Reflecting on the experience, she said: “Endurance is a sport where horse welfare comes first, and it’s not until you’re alone together out on those hills that you really understand each other. I feel so lucky to have taken part we couldn’t have done it without everyone back home.”

Well done, Leola, on this incredible achievement!