SARAH Palmer was the sole representative for the Spooners and West Dartmoor Pony Club at the area qualifying competition for the Pony Club National Tetrathlon Championships. She was entered at an intermediate level and took the competition by storm ? demonstrating the high standards of the Spooners Pony Club. The contest involved shooting and swimming on day one, and running and a challenging cross-country ride on day two. The first day was held at Sherborne School in Dorset. Sarah from Mary Tavy is a very good shot, but the nerves got to her and she was disappointed with her score of 660 - leaving herself a lot to do. However she proved her competitive spirit by pulling out a solid swim of seven lengths and 23 metres - giving her a respectable score of 888. The riding course was wet so had to be cancelled following the exceptionally heavy rain. Sarah was determined not to make any mistakes and walked the challenging course twice on the Saturday and again on the Sunday morning. She was one of the last to ride but her preparation paid off and she was able to give her gifted horse, Buster, the confidence to show exactly how the jumps should be tackled. They jumped an excellent clear round in the time and suddenly she was within striking distance of the leaders. Fortunately the tough 1,500 metre cross country course around the edge of a cornfield was in her favour. Although one of the last to go aggressive running soon got her into her stride and caught the runner ahead of her. Through a tremendous effort Sarah ran down the opposition and a time of 5 minutes 25seconds was easily the best time of the day. It was a huge achievement as she took the lead and in so doing became not only the area winner but also the regional champion. Her father, Peter, had a smile from ear to ear. This was a great day for Sarah but now she has to prove it by doing it again at the national championships, which will be held in Gloucester. Sarah has recently begun fencing, the fifth discipline that makes up modern pentathlon which she hopes to compete in the autumn. l Pictured above left on her mount and above Sarah Palmer