LUCTON School pupil Freddie Powell achieved an impressive third place in his first international eventing competition.

The event held in Ireland, was Powell’s first international competition with Great Britain’s under 18s Junior Eventing Team.

A rider with the Lucton School Equestrian team and Ludlow Pony Club, Powell rode in the CIC1* category against a field of 68 riders from the USA, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia and Ireland.

He finished as the top placed GB rider in the CIC* category and said: “It was a great experience and I’m just over the moon to have come away with a medal.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to all those sponsors who helped me travel to Ireland and continue to support my training, including Countrywide in Presteigne, Mayglothling Waste, Presteigne Gates, Arrowfield Vets in Kington, Lucton School, Presteigne Town Council, Hadley Hargreaves Limited and NAF’s Grizelda Handy.

Lucton School Equestrian Manager, Emma Coates, praised Freddie’s success.

“To win a medal at your first international competition is a fantastic achievement," she said. "Freddie has been riding with us for a number of years and it is wonderful to see how much he has developed.”

Powell has also been selected for the Wales & Borders Team and will compete in the KBIS U18 Regional Team Championship at Weston Park in October.

Lucton School will host an inter-schools show jumping competition on Saturday, September 27. For details, call 01568 78200 or email enquiries@luctonschool.org.