Dressage rider Olivia Oakeley is celebrating after recording three international personal bests at the Young Rider European Championships in Compiegne, France.

The 20-year-old, from Hedge End, pictured, is a member of the World Class Development Programme for talented athletes.

She competed for Team GBR in a tournament involving 19 nations and 51 competitors. Carl Hester, Olympic Gold medalist and Olivia’s trainer, travelled to France to give her support and encouragement.

The first day was the team test with Olivia and her horse, Donna Summer, in a good position until a mistake in their 3 x tempis changes saw them end 11th in a personal best 69.737 per cent.

In the Individual section, the combination produced another personal best score of 70.316 per cent for Oakeley, finishing 13th despite two mistakes – the first of her own making.

“The second mistake was my horse’s fault,” she said.

“Not that I would normally blame him, but on this occasion he didn’t listen to me!”

From there, the top 15 combinations went forward to the Freestyle Final on the hottest day of the competition. Olivia, first to go in the class, managed her third personal best at a European Championship and finished 12th on 70.650 per cent. On returning from France, she started a new job as rider to Sandy Phillips, wife of Captain Mark Phillips, and based in Cirencester.

Olivia is always looking for sponsors. Further details from Olivia.oakeley@hotmail.co.uk