A QUARTET of showjumping riders have qualified for the national championships.

It is the first time in over a decade that the Vale of Arrow Riding Club have qualified for the prestigious KBIS Winter Showjumping Championships held in Lincolnshire.

The team comprises of Jan Howells from Stoke Lacy, Vicki Anne Pearce and Katrina Hughes from Weobley and Vicki Collett from Allensmore.

Chief d’Equipe position is held by Camilla Linton from Bodenham and head groom is Katrina’s daughter Anya, also a keen rider.

All of the team train their own horses with help from local instructors and compete regularly at Kings Equestrian Centre in Bromyard.

The team has attracted local sponsorship from The Wye Valley Brewery and the Salutation Inn Weobley and Redline Communications from Hereford, who are providing them with horse rugs.

The quartet are also planning on competing in a number of other national competitions.

“Local companies have been so supportive, we can’t thank them enough,” said Jan Howells.