THREE promising young riders from a Freshwater riding school won a national equitation competition.

The trio of Izzy Spence, 13, Faith Rimmer, 11, and Leila Woodgate, ten, competed against more than 100 UK riders taking part in the Howdens insurers PLC sponsored online competition.

The three girls didn't have ponies of their own, but ride weekly at Hill Farm Stables Riding School and Pony Club Centre, where they are taught by its owner, Jayne Brown.

During the championships, they had to perform a dressage test and a show jumping round, and were judged on their riding ability, style and horsemanship.

Split into teams of four, with the competition decided by total marks achieved, the Island team was up against it from the very start, when their fourth member was forced to drop out.

This meant it was even more important to get the best individual scores between the three remaining members.

Three well-ridden dressage tests and a triad of correct, clear rounds, secured their success.