DETERMINED teenager Gayle McDonnell has shrugged off a number of setbacks to make her mark in the equine world.

The 19-year-old from Ingleby Barwick took a major step towards realising her ambition to become a fully qualified riding instructor when she recently earned her British Horse Society stage three certificate.

She completed the course at the Yorkshire Riding Centre in Markington in her own time while also studying at Houghall college for a national diploma in animal science. She was instructed and encouraged by Sue Richie of Nunthorpe.

The Cleveland Hunt Pony Club member has also passed her pony club B test and hopes to take her A test in the near future.

Gayle has enjoyed success in all areas of equine competition, but has had her fair share of ups and downs since learning to ride at the age of four while living in South Africa.

She was devastated when she lost her most successful pony, Brydir Prince Daniel, to a mystery virus three years ago.

There was more bad luck for her when her 16.2 Irish draught horse Barwick Enigma, who had considerable show jumping and eventing success, was struck down by injury. The gelding had to take a year off, but has now recovered.

Gayle is excited by the great potential shown by her latest youngster, Recorded Delivery. The 15.3 five-year-old mare by Picture Post will campaign seriously in the spring.

Building on the experience she gained while working for successful local event rider Julie Robinson, Gayle has rediscovered her enthusiasm for horses.

She said: "After a year as a groom, I got a little bit bored. But now I know I want to stay with horses."

After completing her college course in the summer, her ambition now is to progress through the advanced BHS stages to eventually develop a career in the equine field.