TWO young riders from the York and Ainsty South Pony Club are among those who have secured a place at the Dengie Pony Club Winter League show jumping regional finals.

Huby's Nicola Rooke, 14, was competing in a Dengie first round competition at Chequer Farm Stables and finished second, riding the 15.3hh bay mare Maid Mist Janey.

"There were a lot in the qualifier and around ten made it into the jump-off," explained mum Rosemary Rooke. "Nicola was first to go against the clock and just went for it. She held the lead for some time but was just pipped by a very quick pony who could turn in mid-air."

The Dengie series, which leads to a national championship in the Midlands at the end of March.

The placing takes her on to one of 19 regional finals due to be held countrywide in early March, and from which the top four in each make the national championship.

The Easingwold School pupil has been a member of the York and Ainsty South club since she was six-years-old. She has just Maid Mist Janey to ride - her partner of the past year - and the pair has been mainly concentrating on hunting this winter.

Club-mate Toni Ford, also 14, qualified at Markington arena on board grey mare Beau.

She was one of 13 in the jump-off at Markington and held on to a qualifying ticket.

A pupil at Sherburn High School, Ford has also qualified for several second rounds in the Trailblazers show jumping series, again run on a national basis at unaffiliated level. She has secured her regional final place at four heights - 75cms, 85cms, 95cms and 105cms - on the consistent Beau.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, January 23, 2003