A TEEN rider has jumped at the chance of winning a place at the Horse of the Year Show.

Olivia Sheppard, 15, from Drybrook triumphed in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round against 56 rivals at Cherwell Competition Centre in Oxford to land the coveted place.

Monmouth School for Girls pupil Olivia will now be riding in October’s Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship Final at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s NEC.

The Year 10 pupil teamed up with Rachel Sheppard’s 11 year-old bay gelding, JAC Surprise Addition, and were the only combination to bag a treble clear after two action-packed rounds.

With an early draw, Olivia took a more haste less speed approach over the newly-shortened course as she claimed first place in 58.26 seconds. 

Olivia has been working hard throughout the year at her junior events and her dedication paid off.