Harper Adams University student rider part of World Championship winning squad

Posted 16 January 2015

A Harper Adams University student had the best possible start to the new year – returning home as part of the Great Britain squad crowned World Champions at the AEIC World Finals in Florida. 

Veterinary physiotherapy student Steph Gunn’s performances as an individual rider and in an international team (with riders from Germany and Ireland), combined with the gold-medal winning efforts of GB team riders Lauren Innes, Lottie Kennedy, Jess Campbell, secured Great Britain the President's Cup, which goes to the country that tops the yearly rankings.

Steph, whose love of horses brought her to Harper Adams, secured overall silver with the international team, 4th in individual dressage in the silver league and 8th overall in the same league, during the contest at Palm Beach International Equestrian Centre. 

Steph’s performances at international student rider events in France and Germany in 2014 helped team GB to reach the world finals, where the British riders competed against 15 nations from around the world over four days, eventually securing the world title on January 1st, and bringing home the President’s Cup for the first time in 10 years. 

“It was all very exciting and a great experience,” said Steph. “I’m very proud of what we all achieved and was thrilled for the team. We’re so grateful for all the support we have been given.”

Team representative Henry Womersley Smith said: “I am absolutely thrilled and very proud of the team’s success in Florida, which has topped off a great year and bodes well for 2015. It is also brilliant to have support from the BEF once again and the team and I would like to thank them very much.”

Great Britain's student riders received support from Toggi, Tagg and Numed via the BEF's World Class Programme. Steph was also supported by the university.

Following the competition, the British and Irish teams had a short, well-deserved break in Florida, before returning home to their studies.