STILLINGTON rider Fiona Maynard is a step nearer to realising her dream of representing Great Britain on the Paralympic stage.

The 25-year-old para-equestrian dressage rider has won a place on the British Equestrian Federation England Excel Talent Programme, which includes around 50 riders earmarked with the potential to represent Great Britain on senior teams in the future.

The selected riders from all four Olympic disciplines – dressage, showjumping, eventing and para-equestrian dressage – gathered at Warwickshire Racecourse for an induction day.

The British Equestrian Federation-run programme provides selected riders with access to top equestrian specialists, including coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, vets and nutritionists via a series of rider performance camps.

Maynard, who is pafrtially sighted, said: “I am thrilled to be part of the BEF Excel Talent Programme.

“It is a rare opportunity to get a step ahead and the induction day gave me an insight into what to expect.

“I’m really looking forward to putting the extra training and advice to good use to help me achieve my goal of riding at the Paralympics.”

Riders also had the opportunity to find out what it takes to succeed at the top level from those on the World Class Programme.

Laura Collett (eventing), Simon Crippen (showjumping), Maria Eilberg (dressage) and Natasha Baker (para-equestrian dressage) all gave motivational talks to the riders in their own disciplines.

Simon Wergan, senior talent development manager for Sport England, said: “These athletes have already been identified as having the talent to succeed and the Excel Talent Programme is the next step of this journey.

“It is important that these riders grasp the opportunities on offer with both hands.”

The Excel Talent Programme has been set up through funding from Sport England and replaces the Regional Foundation Squad system.