JESSICA Mendoza looks to be at the forefront of Great Britain’s hopes for international success in the coming years after being selected for the British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Podium Potential Programme.

The 20-year-old, from Tockenham, is one of 34 athletes that have been picked for the UK Sport National Lottery-funded programme for the next two years.

Mendoza, currently based in the Netherlands, was part of the Great Britain squad show jumping squad that travelled to the Rio Olympics as a reserve.

The Wiltshire rider is in action in the British U23 Championship at the Olympia London International Horse Show this week.

BEF acting equestrian performance director Sarah Armstrong said: “It was fantastic to see such a great depth of talent coming forward through the selection trials this summer and I would like to congratulate all those selected on to the 2016 cohort.

“The performance pathway for our athletes, both equine and human, is vital to ensure the continued success of our sport in Great Britain and on the international stage.

“The continuing evolution of the programme, which will see more tailored coaching and a greater emphasis on sports science introduced throughout the next Olympic cycle, is designed to ensure that through Podium Potential, we are helping to develop medal winners of the future.”