Rossendale horse rider’s leap into the big time (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Rossendale horse rider’s leap into the big time

2:01pm Monday 22nd February 2010 in

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A ROSSENDALE horse rider is saddling up for the biggest competition of her life.

Joanne Ainsworth, of Helmshore, will represent the North West at the final of the British Open Show Jumping Championships.

Joanne, a former Haslingden High School pupil, will compete against the best show jumpers across the globe with her four-year-old Dutch-bred gelding Up Date III.

Joanne, 23, said: “I am so happy just to have got to the final. It means the world to me.

“I do not have an arena so I just train on land near my home, but I hope to get spotted at the final so someone can sponsor me.

“When I was a child I used to watch the championships and just wished I was there.

“Now I have my chance and I have as much hope as anybody to win it.”

World-class riders from Britain and abroad will go head to head at the event to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, over four days from April 9.

The Rossendale hopeful will take part in four competitions designed to test her skill, ability, speed and elegance on the horse.

Joanne started riding when she was just two under the super-vision of her father.

Since qualifying for the final last month, she has been training hard.

She said: “I have been getting out whenever I can but the snow has caused me disruptions.

“Whatever happens in the final, am just so happy to have made it this far.”

To sponsor Joanne or to help her in her professional career, contact her on 07811 547 424.

For tickets to the event, call 0844 581 1301 or visit the official website at www.britishopenshowjumping. com.