Olympian Kate Allenby MBE to lead the next chapter of equestrian at Westonbirt

There is something incredibly exciting about learning from someone who has practiced their specialism at the very highest of levels. For Westonbirt pupils, that is now a reality, with Olympic medallist and MBE Kate Allenby joining the school as our new Equestrian Programme Lead, bringing more than 20 years of experience in education, elite sport and equestrian development. 

Kate represented Team GB at two Olympic Games, winning bronze in the individual Modern Pentathlon at Sydney 2000. Alongside her sporting career, she has spent more than 20 years as a specialist PE teacher and has developed successful sporting programmes at Whitgift School and Loughborough Grammar School. 

Kate brings a belief that persistence, resilience and a willingness to think differently can help us overcome challenges – and this is something she hopes to share with our pupils. 

“‘How can I?’ is such a powerful question,” she says. “I believe thinking smartly makes the insurmountable possible.” 

Being part of an equestrian programme is about much more than developing riding skills. It is an opportunity for young people to develop confidence, communication and trust, while building skills that stay with them long after they leave the riding arena. 

“Participating in sport isn’t just about the sport, it is a wonderfully fun tool to develop the whole person. However, with equestrian sports, we have the privilege of working with our best friends and learning to communicate with them in their language. The life skills that sit alongside this alone are invaluable. Then, you add the elements of working together and the power of partnership and trust and you have something truly priceless that you can apply to the rest of your life.” 

Kate’s appointment comes at an exciting time of development and growth for our equestrian provision. Westonbirt recently announced a brand-new partnership with one of the world’s most respected polo clubs, our near neighbour Beaufort Polo Club, with our developing polo programme led by our incoming Polo Team Manager. More information to come soon! 

For our pupils, having Kate as part of the Westonbirt community is another opportunity to learn from someone who has experienced first-hand what is possible, and to see how ambition, resilience and hard work can take you further than you might have imagined.