From stable to school - student travels in style to collect her GCSE results

While most students walked or had a car lift to collect their GCSEs, one student arrived at Ilfracombe Academy yesterday by a different type of horse power.

Olivia Burton, 16, rode her horse Archie up to the school and right around to the school hall to pick up her GCSE results.

It drew plenty of smiles from watching parents and teachers, plus another smile from Olivia when she saw she had passed English, maths and science with a grade 4, plus grade 5 for art.

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Archie is a 16-year-old gypsy cob cross and as well as being the same age as his young rider, they have both known each other since they were 10-years-old.

Above: Olivia Burton and Archie are both aged 16 and have known each other for six years. Credit: Ruth Burton

He will be familiar to many in North Devon as he works as a carriage horse in the summer, giving rides to visitors around the harbour area and along the seafront.

Proud mum Ruth Burton sent the pictures into the Gazette today

Olivia said: “Archie is definitely my dream horse and I can do anything with him, he will do anything you want, just to make someone else happy.

“Going to the school was something he’s never done before, but he went in chilled out and very relaxed.

“He was originally from Blackpool, but got sold to us for being too slow, which is perfect for what we need him for!”

Above: Olivia and Archie approach the Ilfracombe Academy GCSE results hall. Credit: Ruth Burton

Olivia is just starting up her own business working with animals, offering doggy day care, dog walking and pet sitting for all types of animals and maybe one day hopes to train up to be a vet.