YOUNG rider William Bentley-Lovell, of Sticklepath, was thrilled to have secured eighth place at the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham NEC last week.

William, aged 12, was the youngest competitor to have been placed at the show on a pure-bred Arabian, 'Viola Des Alpes'.

William's parents said he rode her beautifully and very profesionally — he was the only junior competeing against adults and to be placed as well in a very strong class was a marvellous achievement.

As the showing season is now officially over, 'Viola Des Alpes' will have a well earned rest and William will be concentrating more on his rugby over the winter while helping riding some of his father's horses on his busy competition yard.