NORTH Yorkshire rider Alison Pashby landed a thrilling victory in the grand final of the British Horse Society National Equitation competition.

The 13-year-old, who rides at Friars’ Hill Riding Stables in Sinnington, won the 13 years and under category in the Pegasus Therapy-sponsored event at Warwickshire College.

Designed to encourage young non-horse owners to ride and compete, the competition attracted 36 young riders from all corners of the UK.

The talented finalists had qualified through a series of regional qualifiers held at BHS Approved Riding Centres across the country.

Pashby said: “I have been riding since I was four years old and have been at Friars’ Hill since I was six.

“I am completely surprised, having never really competed very much, to have won the biggest thing I have ever done, and I am so happy.

“I have been training hard and my teacher Alison Brown has helped me lots, and she attended the event with me.”

Brown, proprietor of Friars’ Hill, said: “The BHS Equitation competition is truly wonderful, encompassing theory, flatwork and jumping.

“It is an excellent concept that many children who ride at a riding school are not lucky enough to experience.

“The organisation of the event is spectacular, and I feel it is so vital in helping to keep the BHS promoted in the right light to future equestrians.

“It is clear to see that everyone goes away from the event with such a positive attitude.”