A EQUESTRIAN rider is to add another string to her bow when she competes in a charity horse race later this month at a prestigious venue.

Hartley Wintney-based Southerly Roberts will race in aid of the Prince’s Countryside Trust on November 24 at Ascot, taking on the likes of former England footballer Michael Owen and events rider Harry Meade.

She is riding out for Patrick Chamings, based in Baughurst, and hopes to ride Big Chill who has had five runs this season and is owned by Trolley Action.

Southerly said: “I am really looking forward to race and I am training hard for it.”

During a successful summer this year, Southerly qualified for Horse of The Year Show for the ladies side saddle, upgraded her two own show jumpers to Grade A level and came third at the Horse of The Year Show in the Bronze League Final.

The Hartley Wintney rider was also supreme champion on a Working Show Horse at the British Show Horse Association Summer Championships.

To support the cause, go to pageuk.virginmoneygiving.com/southerly