A TALENTED young dressage rider is set to compete in a national competition after winning a regional championship.

Florence Human, 17, won the Elementary Silver Freestyle Class at a British Dressage Regional Championship at Merrist Wood, in Surrey, earlier this year and will be competing in the National British Dressage Championships at Hartpury in April.

The determined rider is currently studying for her A Levels at Strode College but still finds the time to train every day with her horse, Fulgencio, whose stable name is Dylan, at her family home in Mark.

Florence’s father, Will Human, said the 17-year-old has gone from ‘strength to strength’ since she started training to be a dressage rider exclusively last year and said he has high hopes for her in the future.

He said: “It is amazing to see Dylan and Florence are doing so well together.

“Last year, they won their summer elementary silver regional at Somerford Park and went on to come ninth at the National championships.

“They were also selected last year to be on the Diploma in Sporting Excellence course run through Hartpury college.

“This year they were lucky enough to be selected amongst 11 other young riders across the UK to be a part of the BD Youth National Academy 2019 in which they have already received some amazing opportunities.”

William said Florence is aiming to start competing at an Advanced Medium level in dressage competitions and said she is busy training for the national championships later this year.

He said: “Florence also rides Briljant (Brian) who is a 12-year-old warmblood.

“He is teaching her lots that she can take on to Dylan as he was previously trained to a high level and has competed up to Advanced Medium.

“For Florence, winning the freestyle was a complete surprise as we initially did the music for fun.

“I am really proud of her achievements as she and Dylan have worked really hard and come a long way over the last few months.

“I am excited to see what the future holds for Florence and Dylan.”