ELLIE Osmond, the 14 year old rider from Whiteparish, took part in the World Class Start and Potential viewing day at Addington Equestian Centre last weekend.

Ellie travelled with her pony Wild Thyme and her new horse Nanette for the three day event, held in wet and windy conditions. The format consisted of a selection process of three phases, with the top 50 junior British riders selected taking part.

Of those, 15 will go forward to join the current World Class Start and Potential riders at the final selection trials. It was Ellie's first trial with Nanette and both did well on the day. But the results won't be known until next week.

The second and third days saw Ellie and Wild Thyme training with BYRD (the British Young Riders Dressage Squad) which Ellie also enjoyed and did well in.

The riders were able to attend presentations from World Class support staff, including nutrition, performance video analysis, feeding thye performance horse, sports psycology and how to keep both rider and horse drug free.

All in all it was a great weekend. Sadly, Ellie brought a heavy cold back with her!