A YOUNG rider has beaten thousands of entrants to win a national show jumping championship at her first attempt.
Anna Dawson, of Ferryhill, enjoyed victory at the Dengie Winter League Pony Club Show Jumping Championships final, held at Warwickshire College, in the Midlands.
The 12-year-old Barnard Castle School pupil finished third in the regional heat, staged at Carlisle, to claim her place in the final. Anna, a member of the South Durham branch of the Pony Club since she was three, was competing in the final for the first time on her own pony Merlin.
The eight-year-old dapple grey gelding was bought as a foal from the New Forest for just £5.
Anna was presented with her award by the president of the Pony Club, Princess Anne, and chairman Mary Anderson.
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