FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD showjumper Jodie Aston was leaping with joy when she won a prestigious event.

The Droitwich Spa High School pupil claimed victory in the regional finals of The Pony Club Championship.

Riding Jetski, she triumphed against a strong field at the Three Counties Show, in Malvern.

The event last Tuesday was open to competitors up to the age of 21.

The victory means Jodie has qualified for The Pony Club's national championship. The three-day competition at Sansaw, Shropshire, was due to start yesterday.

Jodie, who rides for Worcester Pony Club, was delighted with her performance in Malvern.

Mum Angela said: "The win left her speechless - which is a rarity. It has always been her dream and she could not believe it.

"There was a lot of people watching and supporting so she was really pleased.

"This is the best thing she has achieved.

"It's the biggest course she has ever tackled. She told me she didn't look at the fences because they were so high. But she had total faith in her horse."

The result is even more impressive considering she has only been riding Jetski for four months.

Jodie, of Ombersley, trains up to six days a week and is also an eventer - which includes dressage and cross-country.

She has been riding since she was 18 months old and has competed for seven years. She does not yet know whether she will aim to become a professional showjumper.