It has been a summer to remember for a schoolboy from Raddington, near Wiveliscombe, who came away a winner in a world pairs horse riding event, and clocked up second and third places in two other international and European tournaments.
Oakley Laghos-Stamp, who has just celebrated his eleventh birthday, travelled with his family to Germany and France over the holidays, to ride in the three competitions with his horse Flicka in Under 12 events.
He was placed third at the International Mounted Games Association (IMGA) World Individual Championship in Germany, second at the IMGA European Individual Championship in France, and went on to win a first at the IMGA World Pairs Championship in France.
“We are over the moon, it brought tears to our eyes,” said proud father Bradley Stamp who himself holds a number of world titles and, together with Oakley’s mother Stavroulla Laghos, who has ridden for England at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, breeds Quarter horses and part-breeds on the family farm.
“Oakley has been riding as soon as he could sit up and he loves competing, he would choose to ride competitions over any other sport. It is also a very good social life and he has friends from all over the country and the world,” he said.
Oakley, who was at Wiveliscombe Primary School and has now started at Wellington School, also competed in the World and European championships last year, where he was placed sixth in both.
Mr Stamp said Oakley had ridden like an adult in his composure and understanding. “This is very much needed, you cannot get frustrated or angry as it transfers to the horse.”
International mounted games competitions are fast-paced, high-speed equestrian races and games for riders on ponies, governed globally by the IMGA.
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