WEST Hants Pony Club members Hannah Stroud and Louise Proctor are preparing to compete in a national dressage event.

Ringwood School pupil Hannah, 13, from Hyde near Fordingbridge, and Louise, 13, of Stuckton, who attends Burgate School, have qualified for the Grass Roots championship at the famous Badminton estate in July.

They have already out-scored much older riders to qualify for the finals and will be among the youngest competitors.

"I am really looking forward to it because it is the biggest experience I will have had," said Hannah, who will be riding her own pony Dunbeggan Flash in the competition.

Louise, who rides her pony Burley Whisper, said: "I am really excited about it, but quite nervous because we might be the only two children there."