A YOUNG horsewoman rode her pony to success in her first one-day event, despite being one of the youngest competitors.

Jessica Miller, 12, of Skeeby, near Richmond, was third in the area qualifier for the national novice championships, held in Cheshire on Sunday (Aug 26).

She also helped the Bedale Pony Club team come sixth overall at the competition.

Jessica and her 15 hands high Welsh Section D pony, Jasper, which she has only had for five months, were representing the club at eventing for the first time, although Jessica has competed at Pony Club games in the past.

Her mother, Vicky, said: "Jessica has been riding since she was three years old, but this combination is pretty special."

The 15-year-old black pony came from Low Fold Riding School at Hunwick, near Bishop Auckland, and the pair are trained by Marianne Watt, of Barnard Castle, and Robert Blane, from Thirsk, who is chief instructor with the Bedale club.

Jessica, who has been a member of Bedale Pony Club for more than two years, scored 34 per cent in her dressage test and gained clear rounds at show jumping and cross country. She now moves up from novice to compete at intermediate level.

Her younger brother, Andrew, aged seven, is also a keen rider and is due to take part in a one-day event at Richmond this summer.