GCSE Student Is An Accomplished Equestrian Para Rider

Tollbar Academy Year 11 student and Equestrian para rider Alexa Stewart (15) with her medal from Solihull Riding Club.

Equestrian Dressage para rider Alexa Stewart, who is a Year 11 GCSE student at Tollbar Academy, has become the youngest rider to take part in the Equestrian Para National Competition held in Solihull.

The 15-year-old rider, who uses looped reins to ride, came 4th in the competition and also won a Gold medal in the pre-event warm-up class at Solihull Riding Club to add to an already impressive array of junior medals.

Alexa was riding her newest Dutch warmblood pony Beau, who is 14.2 hands high and 10-years-old. She has a second pony Rupert, who has competed with her in dressage, but is now in well-deserved retirement.

At the age of 10, Alexa competed in the RDA National Championship, winning the Walk and Trot Freestyle category and becoming National Champion. She was born with a rare condition that affects the development of her hands and feet.

Alexa has been riding for eight years and stables Beau at Weelsby Park Equestrian Centre. She competes in British dressage events throughout the year.

“I go down every morning and evening to look after Beau and we compete about once a month,” she said.” I love it but I see it is a hobby rather than a career option,” she said.

Alexa is hoping to study for her A levels at Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College after she completes her GCSEs.