THIRTEEN-year-old equestrienne Laura Palmer has proved her prowess on horseback after years of training at Abingdon's Riding for the Disabled group.

Laura, a Year 8 pupil at The Cotswold School, began training for dressage competitions six years ago with the group at Lower Lodge Riding Centre, at Southmoor, Abingdon.

At the recent RDA National Championships at Hartpury College, in Gloucestershire, Laura won both her classes in 1b dressage and 1b freestyle to music riding her favourite pony Bakeburn Matador, or Charlie as he is known in the yard.

Ann Barlow, who manages the riding school said: "We are delighted for Laura. Her achievement is enormous; first to qualify for the Nationals and then to win two firsts at this level, as she did, is simply exceptional."

Both shocked and delighted, Laura was supported at the National Championships Awards by much cheering from her parents and members of the Abingdon riding school.

Demonstrating the sort of resilience needed to win, Laura explained: "I have made it through to the Nationals before - I was 2nd last year and made it to 3rd in previous years - but never first, until now."

Riding instructor Sandra Glandille who began working with her this year, encouraged Laura to enter further competitions to further hone her skills.

"I am so happy Sandra is my instructor," Laura added. "I would not have got this far if I didn't have her support."

Laura's mother, Lisa Palmer, said: "It is wonderful. Laura has worked so hard and with so much determination. All her hard work has paid off. We are so happy for her and so proud."

It is Laura who has introduced equestrian pursuits to the Palmer household. "My husband and I know absolutely nothing about horses. Laura loves it that she knows everything about the subject when we know nothing. We took Laura riding when she was three and she took to it and the horses quickly. Her talent soon showed and it has grown from there," Mrs Palmer added.