WORCESTER school pupil Zo Sleigh began her equestrian season in the best possible style with victory at the Hurstbourne Premier League Dressage Show in Hampshire.

The "Premier Shows" attract many of the top dressage riders in the country and are closely watched by British team selectors as an early indication to rider's form.

It was in the category for riders aged 16 and under on ponies that the King's School pupil achieved a memorable win.

Zo, who is 14 and lives at Malvern, rode her 14.2hh chestnut gelding Zion and was scoring her first ever win at this level.

Contested

The FEI Pony tests are contested by the country's best dressage ponies and success can ultimately lead to a place on the British team at the Pony European Championships.

"Zion got his best marks for his lateral work and his medium trot, but he is really quite solid all the way through his tests," said proud mother Christine Sleigh. "I used to event myself but I get so much more nervous watching Zo -- your heart is really in your mouth !"

Zo has bought Zion on herself, buying him when he was just broken from international rider Hannah Esberger four years ago.

"It's been quite hard as Zo was in open rider classes at 11 years old with a young pony, which was pretty tough," said Mrs Sleigh. "Her trainer Ian Woodhead has been brilliant."

Zo also competed at an affiliated dressage meeting at Addington in Buckinghamshire recently, competing against seniors and winning a strong medium level class.