LIBBY Seed is just 20 years old, but already has Olympic aspirations as she prepares for her first Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

In June, Seed was the youngest competitor in the four star at Luhmühlen Horse Trials in Germany, her clear ride in the cross country catching the eye of the Great Britain selectors.

The medical science student, who is from Bromham, then continued a whirlwind season as she represented her country at the European Junior Championships in Millstreet, Ireland.

Next month, Seed will take What a Catch II to Burghley, one of just six four-star events in the world, armed with advice from three-time Olympic medallist Pippa Funnell and European gold medallist Chris Bartle.

“People who I never speak to on a day-to-day basis were so lovely when I was in Germany, like Pippa Funnell was really supportive,” Seed said.

“Chris Bartle, the senior team trainer, who I’d never get to train with normally, helped me with a few movements I struggled with in my dressage and it’s the same test at Burghley so hopefully I can carry them through.

“I’m aiming for a completion at Burghley, hopefully I’ll get a couple of marks better for dressage than what I got in Germany.

“I’d like to think I’m aiming for the Olympics eventually. I’ve got some really nice young horses – the horse I took to the Europeans is only 11 so she’s got five years to move up.”

Starting university in Exeter last September meant moving away from home and her horses.

Some students find it difficult to balance a sport with their studies, but for Seed competing in international equestrian competitions while working on a degree is not enough.

“I played hockey for the university as well, so it was busy doing all that and trying to keep some form of social life going,” she said.

“I got two bursaries this year, one from the university and one from the charity Doing It For Dan and between them they gave me money for training and support while I was away from home which really helped,’’ she said.

“In my second and third terms when I had exams and more intense lectures it was a bit tricky because I was coming home to ride about four or five days a week.

“Now, everyone I know has said they’re going to come and support me at Burghley and I’m excited to be part of something so big, but the pressure here will be more intense than it was at Luhmühlen.”