A STUDENT from Sampford Courtenay has won an award for progression and achievement during her time at Bicton College.

Fern Field first went to Bicton College as a day release student from QE College Crediton, studying for her NVQ level one horse care. On leaving QE she went to the college full-time to study for her extended diploma in horse management level three. In 2013 she was awarded equine student of the year upon graduating. Fern’s prize was a training session with local competition dressage rider Paula Lee, which took place at Bicton’s international size equine arena on Paula’s own prize-winning dressage horse, Marco.

Fern then progressed on to the two-year foundation degree in equine science at Bicton College. She recently passed with honours and received the Darren Watson Cup, which is awarded to the student who has progressed successfully through all the levels from one to five. During her time at Bicton Fern was selected as a member of the Elite Riding Academy for four years. The academy represents Bicton in various inter college events and also does displays at the Devon County Show and at Bicton College open days.

The team lead for equine and vet nursing at Bicton College, Alex Robinson-Barr, said: ‘Fern being selected for the Elite Riding Academy for four years in succession is a testament to her drive, passion and enthusiasm for learning. Within the academy Fern represented Bicton at various external events such as Devon County Show and the West Country Equine Fair. Fern is a credit to Bicton and I know she will continue to be one of our home grown ambassadors for the industry.

‘I can speak for all the equine staff at Bicton to say how immensely proud we are of Fern and her achievements and wish her every success with her future.’

Throughout her time at Bicton College Fern has continued to work with her own horses and with Okeleat Dartmoor Pony Stud owners Keith and Elaine Locke from Jacobstowe. Fern has ridden for Okeleat since she was on the lead rein. She has competed successfully in showing and dressage, always on home produced ponies and horses.

She is now studying for her teaching exams. She has been accepted at Duchy College next year to do her top up and is now concentrating on working on a freelance basis helping other owners with their ponies and horses.