TWO young horse riders have excelled at a national competition that celebrates the equestrian talents of people with disabilities.

Chelsea Tiley and Christopher Standfield, who both attend the Richmond and Catterick branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), were thrilled when they qualified for the RDA National Championships in Gloucestershire.

The three-day event is the largest of its kind and attracts disabled riders, carriage drivers and vaulters from across the UK.

Miss Tiley, who is visually impaired came second in her class in the Countryside Challenge, while Mr Standfield, who has multiple physical and learning difficulties came fifth in a class of 15 competitors.

Sheri Wild, of Richmond and Catterick RDA, said: “A life-changing experience for both of them, made even more remarkable by the fact that they rode Mister Mole, a pony neither had ridden before. Outstanding results that prove RDA can do wonders.

“Big Congratulations to Chelsea and Christopher and huge thanks to all whose unstinted support helped to make this possible, especially to Claire Robinson and Stokesley RDA for the loan of Mister Mole.