A YOUNG horserider took first prize in a show cross competition after only one jumping lesson.

Katie Dorman, 12, won the competition at Middleton Riding Centre after the lesson from owner Donald Dingley.

On her first horse Sam, she jumped an indoor and outdoor course against 20 riders from across the region, including adults and experienced riders.

She has had the 17-year-old 15hh New Forest thoroughbred cross for four and a half months, and keeps him at the centre in Middleton St George.

Her father Terry told the D&S Times he was so impressed by what his daughter had been taught in only one lesson with Mr Dingley.

"He's absolutely brilliant," said Mr Dorman, of Dalton-on-Tees, "and they've been so helpful to us at the centre."

Mr Dingley runs the centre with wife Corinne, who said, "Katie worked hard and put a lot of effort in - that's what it's all about. And the horse went well on the day."

Katie is a pupil at Richmond School and has been riding for five years.