A DOWNTON teenager is part of a dressage quartet that clinched a national title.
Lydia Bishop with teammates Josie Clark, Ellie Kibbey and Poppy Hart of Hursley Pony Club were crowned 2015 National Pony Club Novice Dressage Champions.
They took top honours from 36 clubs across the United Kingdom, all of whom had qualified at regional competitions throughout the summer.
Lydia, 15, on mare Somer, came ninth in the individual category at the prestigious Pony Club National Championships, held in Cholmondley Castle, Cheshire.
She said: "We were totally overwhelmed when we found out that we had won, and it took a while for the news to sink in. It was really exciting to be part of the winning team!"
It was the first trip to the championships for all four riders.
Team manager Deborah Leabeater said: “I am so proud of this team – we knew that if they all rode well, we were in with a chance of a top ten team place.
"But to come away with the national title on their first visit to the championships is fantastic!”
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