A COUNTY rider excelled in the Cricklans Junior Winter League Championship – winning gold in the ten and under category.

Ronie Thomas, 10,took part in two classes over the three days, in 10 and under-60cm and 11 and under 70cm.

With 62 riders competing in one class and 50 in the other, a Cricklands rosette was all that was hoped for.

Riding aboard her pony Bobby, Ronie came fourth in the first heat of the 10 and under competition, which gave her a good chance of getting into the medals.

In heat two on the final day, the pair rode a blistering time to put them into second place with competitions to go and they ended up being placed first in the class.

The combination of points over the two heats then gave them the gold medal in the 10 and under Junior Winter League Championship.

Over the three days of competing, Ronie and Bobby were placed in seven out of 10 classes, collecting three firsts, one third, two fourths and a fifth.

Ronie is a pupil at Gorsley Goffs Primary School and is an active member in all sports, including her school show jumping team.

She is also a member of the South Hereford and Ross Harriers Pony Club and plays football for Ross Juniors Girls.