Moreton Hall pupil Mila, Upper 5, has been named Inspirational Young Eventer of the Year, receiving the Hannah Francis Award at Cornbury House Horse Trials.
The award is given by Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony charity to recognise courage and determination in the face of personal adversity. It was created in 2016 in memory of Hannah Francis, a talented young event rider who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, at the age of 17. Hannah spent the months that followed raising awareness and funds for others, telling her story through her mascot, Willberry the Wonder Pony. She died later that year, aged 18. Her parents run the charity she founded, which now funds bone cancer research and grants equestrian wishes to seriously ill young people.
Mila was invited to Cornbury with no idea what awaited her. She was joined by her family, by her sister Aria from Moreton Hall Prep, and by her Pony Club District Commissioner. The award was presented by international event rider Kitty King, a patron of the charity, who then took Mila on a private course walk and shared advice on course craft, fitness and the sports psychology side of competing.
Mila’s family said: “Mila does what she does without complaining and without giving in. Riding and eventing are her passion. She still can’t quite believe that Hannah’s award really was for her. Moreton Hall has been invaluable in supporting her riding, her academic work and her wellbeing.”
The family described it as a day of laughter and a few tears, and paid tribute to the warmth of the welcome from the charity team and from Hannah’s parents.
Riding and eventing are Mila’s passion, and she pursues both with a quiet determination that anyone who knows her will recognise. Everyone at Moreton Hall is enormously proud of her.
You can read more about Hannah’s story and the work of the charity at willberrywonderpony.org. Berry Ponies can be bought and registered through the site, then worn at events in support of the cause.
