A YOUNG jockey scooped a major honour on the horse riding circuit after competing at an esteemed competition.

At just 16-years-old, Chantelle Chapman took the reigns at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at the weekend – one of the most prestigious events on the equestrian calendar.

Alongside her brother Bobby, Chantelle, of Little Bentley, competed in the M&M Working Hunter, a qualifier for the Royal International Horse Show at the end of this month.

This event is judged on style and performance over a course of tricky fences, as wells as a show and conformation of the pony.

Chantelle, who has been riding since she was ten-years-old, and her fell pony, Greenholme Falcon, completed the challenging course with a clear round and a style mark of 18/20.

She also scored 9/10 for her show and, 19/20 for conformation – which judges the horse’s shape and structure.

The scores were enough for her to take home the first place prize, seeing her qualify for RIHS later this month.

Her mother, Victoria, was glowing with pride after seeing her children shine on such a challenging stage.

She said: “We were all extremely excited about competing at the show. Chantelle was so pleased with how her pony jumped as this is his first year competing in the Workers.

“She couldn’t believe it when she was called out to win. She had been competing against the professionals with 20 other competitors in front of a huge audience at the royal venue.

“Greenholme Falcon looked fantastic and finished with an amazing gallop in front of the judges. When their name was called we couldn’t believe it.

“Chantelle was absolutely thrilled, she even shed a tear as all her hard work and determination is paying off.

“I am so proud of her as she is working so hard with her horses and is so devoted and determined. She is competing now against the best horses and riders in the country and giving them tough competition.”

Chantelle will now be going head to head against her brother at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, West Sussex, later this month after they both qualified for the finals.