TWO competitors from the Summerhouse Riding for the Disabled group in Hardwicke were successful in the charity’s national championships at Hartpury College in Gloucester.

Disabled riders Taylor Johnson and Richard Fox both rode upon Tilly, an eight-year-old skewbald mare which the group purchased last year, during the hotly contested event on Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, July 11.

Taylor, who is a pupil at Maidenhill School in Stonehouse, ranked second in the dressage test for partially sighted competitors, despite only taking up riding a year ago.

Elsewhere, his more experienced co-partner Richard, who has learning difficulties, placed fourth overall in the Countryside Challenge, which saw him negotiate a series of obstacles with impressive ease.

April Read, secretary of the group, which practices every Thursday morning at the Summerhouse Education and Equitation Centre in Hardwicke, said: "We are very proud of both of them, Taylor in particular has done brilliantly to get to that standard in such a short time."

Anyone interested in joining the group as a rider or volunteer helper can contact April on 01453 823 834 or chairman Sue Barney on 01452 740 783.