ABBY Chisholm from Lydford was awarded the top national award for a Young Rider at the Endurance GB National awards evening held in Daventry.

Abby, aged 15 on her 13.2hh PB Arab pony CFS Diana of Court, beat some of the top national young riders in the country by having the most points awarded for her top 10 rides over the year.

In the competition the more miles riders do and the better the speed and recovery rates for the pony at the end of the ride determine the number of points awarded for that ride.  Although Abby's pony is small compared to most of her rivals, she is a particularly tough little pony with a very determined attitude, and a very ground covering action.

Abby has travelled with her parents, who also compete, all over the UK to take part in rides on Exmoor (the Golden Horseshoe), Cirencester Park, the South Downs, the Welsh Mountains and as far afield as Lincolnshire.

Mother Jo also picked up an award at the prize giving — her 19 year old purebred Arab gelding Grey Medlar receiving reserve champion veteran horse, and also an award for completing 5,600 kilometres over his career.

For more information on Endurance Riding locally see the website http://www.endurancegbsouthwest.com">www.endurancegbsouthwest.com