TOP pony showjumper Jessica Mendoza was in flying form at the Addington Manor Pony Premier Show, held near Buckingham, writes KATE HEALEY.

The show was the last in the series of British Showjumping (BS) ‘Pony Premier’ shows, designed as an early-year run for the best pony riders, aged 16 or under, in the country and held at major venues throughout Britain.

Mendoza, 15 and from Tockenham, began her run with a win in the 148cms Special Open on her up and coming pony Ultrador, the 10 year old mare who shows great scope.

She then topped the Winter JC qualifier, which leads on to a final at the famed Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in the summer, on another talented mare, Saorsie.

“Saorsie gave a real exhibition of jumping and pulled off some very good turns,” said Mendoza, who also won the JC qualifier at the Hand Premier Show this year with the mare.

“She is so talented that she makes the big fences feel like she is jumping 90cm. I can’t wait till we really step her up.”

She saved her best to last when she won the John Whitaker International Winter JA Classic, which features the very best ponies in the 148cms ranks, on the final day.

She was one of just four riders to make it to the third and final round, with her great chestnut mare Tixylix. The pair was last into the arena and knew just what they had to do, producing a flying clear to beat rival and friend Amy Inglis by just .1 of a second.

“Tixy was just brilliant in the jump-off,” she added. “She’d been naughty in the first round and nearly bucked me out the saddle, but as the fences got bigger she stopped playing and started thinking.''

The main aim this year for the duo will be to gain a place on the GB team at the Pony European Championships for the third year running.

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