STEPHANIE Wright, from Sherburn in Elmet, has qualified for the SEIB Trailblazers National Championships.

Wright will compete in the Countrywide Senior Trailblazers 85cm Show Jumping Championship class aboard her horse Carrickatee Rocket.

And the 23-year-old – who studied Equine Management at Askham Bryan College – is looking forward to attending her first Trailblazers Championship, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, with the 11-year-old gelding.

She bought the Irish Sport Horse, known affectionately as Rocky, in September after his previous owner went to university.

Since then the pairing has gone from strength to strength, competing in show jumping, hunter trials, show cross, dressage, and Le Trec.

Wright also hopes to contend a BE80 event in the future with Rocky, who she says: “Really loves cuddles and raiding your pocket for treats.”

After having previously qualified with her former horse, but never having attended the competition, she is looking forward to the championship atmosphere from July 29 to August 6.

Wright added: “It’s a prestigious event which gives me the opportunity to push my limits and see what Rocky and I can do together, without the expensive membership fees that affiliated competitions require.

“I’ve never stayed over at a competition before, and it’s one of those things that I’ve always wanted to do.

"I’m looking forward to meeting new people, experiencing a large show environment, and spending time with my horse.”

Wright and Rocky qualified for the Trailblazers Championship at Sykehouse Arena in April.

The SEIB Trailblazers Championship is a seven-day equestrian extravaganza with on-site camping, stabling, flags and flowers.

It provides riders at grassroots level with the opportunity to experience a championship atmosphere, the thrill of riding in the grand arenas and the prospect of completing a lap of honour in magnificent style.

For more details, dates and venues visit www.trailblazerschampionships.com or follow them on Facebook – www.facebook.com/Trailblazers-Championships.