An eventer who has competed up to three-star level is now in the running to be Miss England — and hopes a win could boost her riding career.
Alyssa Yallop, who completed Burnham Market three-star on One More Step this year, and has previously completed events including Houghton International, has reached the semi-final stage of the beauty pageant.
The 20-year-old is currently choosing her evening dress and vintage clothing for the competition on 11 June — but is also organising a children’s pony show to raise money for Miss World charity Beauty with a Purpose.
Miss Yallop is to run showing and jumping classes for under-14s, at her family’s farm in Lambourn, Berks on 5 June.
“A main aim [of Miss England] is to raise as much money as possible for the charity, which helps children across the world. If you win, you pick which country and how it should be spent.
“So instead of doing a 10km run or something, I thought I’d combine it with the riding and try to do something a bit more exciting.”
Miss Yallop, who works part-time for a property company in Mayfair, London, also teaches and works as a model to fund her eventing.
“One More Step, who my sister Lauren competed at four-star level, is 19 now and, unfortunately, I had to retire him after Chatsworth (14 May),” she said. “He left a leg and I fell in the water. His mind’s good but his muscles aren’t as quick as before.
“So I’m looking for new owners. I’ve got some babies and I’m still hoping to compete at the top, but it’s so expensive – I do everything I can to fund it.”
Miss Yallop hopes that if she wins Miss England — and therefore takes part in the Miss World pageant — it would raise her profile, which could help with finding owners.
She added: “It would be incredible to represent England on the world stage,” she added.
“But I also want to raise as much money for the charity as possible.
“The money normally goes abroad but if I won, I’d definitely consider something for English children. There are so many kids struggling in our own country.”
Related articles:
- Aintree hosts beauty ‘SOS’ for race-goers
- 16 weird and wonderful looks from the Badminton trot-up
- 13 short-sleeved show shirts to keep you cool and fashionable this summer
Classes at the show include jumping, from 1’3’’ to 2’3’’ and four showing classes: prettiest mare/handsomest gelding, lead-rein pony, Pony Club pony and veteran.
To enter, or for information on supporting the show, email alyssayallop@hotmail.co.uk
