A DORSET dressage rider is celebrating after winning a championship at the Petplan Equine Area Festival Finals.

Rebekah White, from Hazelbury Bryan, won the Petplan Equine Novice Restricted Championship riding eight-year-old gelding Lord Robin.

Having previously qualified at the Kingston Maurward Area Festival, Ms White impressed the judges at the grassroots championships last month, receiving a winning score of 70.65.

The championships, which were held alongside the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships, saw Ms White and Lord Robin compete among 58 horse and rider combinations.

Ms White and Lord Robin were paired together 18 months ago. Ms White said she used the two-round format to her advantage.

She said: “It was good to ride the same test twice. In the first round he spooked in the trot, but was much more settled in the second test.

“We prepared by going to the Keysoe U25 high profile show in March.”

Ms White joked: “We had a mixed result as we came first and last.”

Now in their 16th year, the Petplan Equine Area Festivals gives riders across all levels the chance to experience competing in championship conditions whilst in a relaxed environment.

More than 3,680 grassroots dressage riders from all over the UK competed at 19 Petplan Equine Area Festivals last year.

Jason Brautigam, chief executive at British Dressage, said: “Since taking up the reins at British Dressage, I have been impressed with the success and popularity of the Petplan Equine Area Festivals series, which is most definitely one of the jewels in our calendar.

“Thanks to Petplan Equine’s on-going support of these championships, which goes above and beyond their sponsorship contribution, the series has seen a staggering 32 per cent increase in participation year on year and next year we are adding a further three venues to the series.”

Charlotte Collyer, senior marketing executive at Petplan Equine, said: “We are delighted to be part of a series which provides the perfect showcase and celebrates the talent that is out there. We would especially like to congratulate Rebekah White on her fantastic win and wish her the very best of luck for the future.”

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