INTERNATIONAL rider Nicola Tweddle has started the 2005 British eventing season in good style.

The 27-year-old from Northallerton took part in the opening one-day event of the season, staged at Isleham in Cambridgeshire and sponsored by Isleham Fresh Produce Ltd.

She finished a close third in the intermediate novice section on Mr Nickleby, a horse she owns jointly with Lady Harriet Milnes Coates.

The pair would have won the section but for two show jumps down, in a phase which caused problems for several horses in the inclement weather.

"We stayed in third thanks to quite a good dressage test and a clear cross-country round in a good time," said Nicola, who has competed at top four star level in a highly successful career.

She added: "I was eighth in the same section on my mother's hunter Mr Micawber, who also had two show jumps down. The show jumping course was quite big, although the peaty going rode well."

Nicola also finished 11th in the top open intermediate section, headed by Australian triple Olympic gold medallist Matt Ryan, on Don't Underestimate. She rides the 16hh bay mare for owner Tracey Derby and the pair competed at international two star level last year.

Nicola said: "She had just one show jump down and a good clear cross-country."

Nicola will now go to the Poplar Park one-day event in Suffolk and the Lincoln one-day event later this month. She has Skiver, who she rode into 20th spot at Badminton last year, and her Bramham three-day event partner Highland Loch II in the top advanced intermediate section at Poplar Park.