A PRIMARY school pupil is one step closer to participating in a national competition after landing gold at an event.

Sissi Herbert, from Basingstoke, secured first place at last month’s Schools 70cm League Class show jumping competition held at Wellington Riding Centre.

Representing Long Sutton Primary School, in Hook, Sissi and her pony Beros Tintagel jumped a quick double clear to see off her competition.

After claiming first place at the competition, the 11-year-old said: “Beros Tintagel is super fun to ride, he is full of beans and responsive.

“He is only 11.3 hands high with a short stride so I have to keep my leg on and ride him forward, I also talk to him a lot to encourage him.”

Staff at Long Sutton Primary School have been supportive of Sissi in her exploits and aim to continue to encourage her as she bids to qualify for the national Just For Schools championship.

Sissi added: “I like being able to represent my school in my favourite sport.”

Sissi’s mum Jaye added Sissi lives and breathes ponies and said that for her daughter to have the opportunity to compete at a national level is her hard work and dedication paying off.

Jaye added: “Sissi has been riding her whole life and decided showjumping was for her at the age of eight. The chance to compete at the British Showjumping National Championships with Just for Schools is very exciting.”

Having placed first in her league class, Sissi will now take part in a training camp on August 1 and 2 before looking to qualify for the finals.

The Just for Schools League run by British Showjumping offers riders the chance to compete individually or as a team in classes ranging from 70cm to 1.10m with the chance to qualify for the British Showjumping National Championships held at Stoneleigh Park in August.

To find out more about the competition visit britishshowjumping.co.uk/membership/Just-for-Schools-Membership.