We are delighted that Victoria is part of our BRIT Ambassador family and championing the annual BRIT Challenge to support and improve young adult mental health and fitness throughout the UK.
Victoria has represented Great Britain in Eventing and was part of the team that won silver at the European Championships in 2017.
“I am thrilled to be joining the BRIT Ambassador family to help support and improve young adult mental health and fitness throughout the UK. Having been a student at Hartpury University, and both riding with and coaching young riders, I am aware of the increase in mental health challenges faced by so many young adults and students.
Ensuring that young adults and students receive support when they need it is vital and charities have an integral role in delivering professional services and help. It is great to see that BRIT is inviting every university and college team taking part in the BRIT Challenge to choose a second charity to raise funds for, alongside BRIT, to support local, regional and national charities.
The BRIT Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for every UK university, college, specialist college and Students’ Union to enter teams and encourage their students and staff to take part. This is such a great way for students and young adults to be involved in a team feelgood February fundraiser that can improve mental health and fitness. The BRIT Challenge has been designing to be inclusive and enables students and staff of all abilities to take part; by hand-cycling, cycling, wheelchair pushing, swimming, walking, jogging, running, rowing or paddling (canoeing, kayaking or paddle-boarding).
BRIT are providing inspiration and encouragement to students and young adults through their BRIT Ambassadors. I urge our Great Britain Equestrian Olympians, Paralympians and riders to join our BRIT Ambassador family and promote the BRIT Challenge at universities and colleges of their choice, encourage participation, help destigmatise mental health and champion equality, diversity and inclusion.
I look forward to encouraging students and staff at Hartpury University and Hartpury College to take on the BRIT Challenge”.
Victoria Leabeater
Great Britain Event Rider and European medallist
Victoria has been involved with horses from a young age; particularly in all Pony Club activities, followed by involvement in the British Dressage and British Eventing Youth Programmes.
She was educated at Godolphin School and between 2016 and 2019, Victoria completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Equestrian Sports Science at Hartpury University, then went on to complete her Master of Research degree in Sport Performance Analysis.
In 2017, Victoria was selected to represent Great Britain for the British CC13*S European Championship team who won team silver.
Between 2018 and 2019, Victoria was the Captain of the Hartpury Equine Academy.
Victoria was an Ambassador for the Pony Club between 2018 and 2019.
She is a regular coach in her own and surrounding Pony Clubs, coaching all levels from Junior to National Champions and British Youth Team contenders. In 2019, Victoria was presented with the Pony Club U25 Coach of the Year award and the Pony Club Coaches Conference.
For the past 10 years, Victoria has been an Event Rider and in January 2021, Victoria founded Equestrian Performance Analysis (EPA). EPA aims to make performance analysis accessible, to help all levels of riders achieve their goals; whether they are competing at an International event, finding marginal gains before a major Championship or improving a score for the next test. Performance Analysis identifies are where marginal gains made in training could have a positive impact on performance. The analysis process helps improve skills and competence required for increasing demands of competitive sport.
You can follow Victoria on Instagram.
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