TALENTED showjumper Catheryne Kelly has been riding high by winning several equestrian competitions.

The 12-year-old, a pupil at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate near York, won showjumping contests at Sykehouse Arena and Epworth Equestrian Centre, becoming the junior 65- centimetre champion.

Kelly also recently gained first place at a one-day event at Epworth, where she was tested not only on showjumping but also dressage and cross country.

The youngster, from Armthorpe, has been riding since she was a toddler and now benefits from Queen Ethelburga’s Royal Court Equestrian Centre.

“I love riding and being around horses,” said Kelly.

“You have to learn to persevere with horses because sometimes they don’t do exactly what you want them to do and you have to convince them to take the course you want or to make the jump.”

Kelly added that her success was down to practice and the support of her family, all of whom ride.

Her father, Simon Kelly, said: “We could see she had the ability to do well.

“Fortunately, with hard work and determination, she has gained successes on a local level and this year we are hoping that she will compete more on a regional level.”