A YOUNG dressage rider from Cornwall has become the Reserve National Champion – on a horse seven years her senior.

Holly Hale from Liskeard was competing last weekend at the British Riding Clubs Topspec Dressage to Music National Championships held in Buckinghamshire, having qualified at an event in Launceston in August.

Representing East Cornwall Riding Club, Holly, 17, was riding 24 year old pony Master Juno who is owned by the Mitchells.

Incredibly, during the Novice Junior qualifying event of a few week ago, it was Holly and Juno’s first time riding a dressage test to music.

“I’ve been competing in dressage since I was in the Pony Club,” said Holly.

“I regularly compete and am part of the British Dressage South West Youth Squad but I had never attempted a freestyle test.

“Clare Deithrick, a dressage music specialist, kindly put together the music for me from The Chronicles of Narnia,” Holly continued.

“It is bold and dramatic, which suits Juno.”

Holly is currently doing a Level 2 grooms apprenticeship and studying for the BHS qualifications at Lakefield Equestrian Centre near Camelford. She only started riding veteran pony Juno last year.

“I had just lost my own pony,” she said.

“The Mitchell family asked if I would ride Juno as he wasn’t doing much. “When I rode him I was really surprised how good he was given his age, and the more I schooled him, the better he got. The Mitchells were happy for me to compete him and to start training with the British Dressage youth squad.” During lockdown, Juno came to live with the Hale family to save them having to travel.

“We don’t have a sand school but I taught him the more complicated movements in our field, he is really good!” said Holly.

“We have since competed in Novice, Elementary and Medium competitions.

“Attending the Championships was an incredible experience. The event was filmed on Horse and Country TV which added to competition nerves but when we entered the arena and the music started Juno knew his job and carried me around the arena with passion. I was over the moon to finish as Reserve Champion.”

Everyone at the East Cornwall Riding Club is also very pleased with the result, said club secretary Ann Kinahan.

“It’s an aamazing achievement,” she said, “Holly and Juno danced their socks off to record a score of 75%.”

Trainer Clare Deithrick said: “I am so proud of Holly and Juno for their amazing result. It’s Holly’s first season in the freestyle and she has worked hard learning the music and phrasing to gain the artistic marks alongside the technical aspects.”