Congratulations to 12-year-old Alice Critchison from the Isle of Wight, who has won almost every major junior award in Endurance GB this season…a remarkable achievement for any rider, but especially for someone who has been in the sport for just three years, with a home-produced young pony. Inspired by her mum and grandmother who also compete in the sport, Alice started endurance in 2022.
“She is sassy in the yard but wonderful to ride. I’m so proud of her…she’s so young, but has taken to endurance brilliantly. We’re both still learning, but we’ve achieved so much together already!” Alice Critchison
Pumpkin arrived as a newly broken four-year-old and Alice has produced her from scratch. The pair began with pleasure rides, moved through Pony Club grassroots and novice levels, and this season completed their first full novice campaign.
Alice claimed an impressive tally of Endurance GB national awards for 2025: Young Volunteer award for helping at rides and EGB events; Junior Rider of the Year trophy; Pony Club Endurance Intermediate Section & The Snowflake Trophy for highest placed young rider in the under 45km rides.
What’s Next for Team Pumpkin? Although they have considered stepping up to Open level, the plan is to give Pumpkin another novice season to develop strength and confidence. “We want to do more 40km+ rides and practise vet gates,” Alice explains. “Pumpkin really needs to work on that!”
Bella Fricker (Endurance GB)
Ashley Kate M61/099 2019
(Willoway Dancing Gold / Ashley Limelight by Beechwood Comet)
Bred by Val Dibdin
Owned by Claire Critchison, competed by her daughter Alice.
