A LONG-LASTING riding school in Wilton staged an exciting event last week.

Grovely Riding Centre, Water Ditchampton, hosted a British horse society qualifier on Thursday ahead of the national riding school championships in Warwickshire next month.

Half-a-dozen riders from the hosts won their places in the three phase completion, which comprises dressage, show jumping and stable management, qualifying for the high-ranked event.

They were Albert Wilde, Georgie Madzarevic, Harriet Turner, Lauren Safe, Lilly King and Mirabel Green.

Albert, who rides Sooty, will compete in the 13 years and under category alongside Georgie, while Lilly and Mirabel will take part in the 13 years and over.

Teenagers Harriet and Lauren, meanwhile, will go in the 17 years and over section.

The success caps what has been a long and memorable journey for Grovely owners Sue Curtis and Jerry Dunne, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.

The British horse society riding school competition is held to give non-horse owners the opportunity to travel and compete with their favourite riding school horse.

For more information about the school, visit www.grovely.info/index.php.