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Georgie Spence is under no illusions of the challenge ahead but is heading into her first Badminton Horse Trials with an open mind.

The former Stonar School pupil, from Foxham, will compete in the world famous three day event, which starts today with the vets' examinations, with 11-year-old Running Brook after qualifying following a second placed finish at Bramham, Yorkshire, last year.

But, while the 19-year-old isn't expecting big things, she is prepared to use her inexperience to her advantage.

"People are saying that when you are young you are naïve and you try different things which could be wrong but you have got to learn from them," she said.

"Nobody goes to Badminton and goes clear. You have got to make mistakes to learn from them.

"You don't get many opportunities at my age to have a sound and fit horse and go to Badminton.

"Even if I make mistakes I will learn so much from it.

"I've got personal goals in each phase and I would like to go clear through cross country but I just want to compete and learn lots."

But, despite her youthful exuberance, Spence says she is feeling apprehensive, although believes it is only natural. "You have got to be nervous, buzzing and have the adrenaline to do it," said Spence, who has been eventing full time for three years.

"If you are too quite and not nervous then you don't want it enough.

"I'll be excited when I get there, but it won't affect the way I ride."

And, being a local rider at Badminton, she knows exactly what the event means, especially after going to watch ever since she was a youngster.

"I've been a spectator most years, when I could blag a day off school," she said.

"I think it is amazing to get the opportunity and have a horse who is hopefully good enough."

9:25am Thursday 1st May 2008

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