WILTSHIRE showjumper Jessica Mendoza has been handed a major award by the British Equestrian Writers' Association.

The 19 year old, from Tockenham, picked up the Worshipful Company of Saddlers award, which is presented to a rider aged 25 and under as Scottish rider Scott Brash won the main leading rider award for 2015.

 

Mendoza became the youngest rider in 40 years to represent Great Britain at an international championships at the European Showjumping Championships in Aachen, helping the British team qualify for the Rio Olympics next year.

The Wiltshire rider, currently based in Eindhoven in The Netherlands to compete on the international circuit, is competing at the London International Horse Show at Olympia this week.

Mendoza, who also won the 2015 Longines Rising Star award and was British Showjumping's Young (Under 21) Rider of the Year, will ride Atilija, Ramiro de Belle Vue, Spirit T and Wan Architect during the competition.

"It's been a big year for me and really exciting,'' said Mendoza.

"Spirit T has really stepped up to the mark and now I have a good, strong team of other horses coming up behind.

"I am really looking forward to Olympia and all the challenges 2016 might bring.''