YOUNG Wiltshire rider Alicia Hawker won the prize for the highest placed U25 competitor at the recent Badminton Horse Trials.

Hawker, who is based in Hullavington, partnered Charles RR to her second Badminton completion and finished in 30th – the highest position by a rider age 25 or under.

The duo jumped an immaculate cross-country round, just 22 seconds over the time allowed, jumping them an impressive 48 places up the leaderboard when going into the final show jumping phase.

Hawker said: “As a local rider, Badminton was always the one I wanted to do.

“I remember Pippa Funnel winning the Grand Slam years ago. I was only eight at the time, so it really is a dream come true to be able to compete there alongside Pippa.

“I’m so proud of Charlie. When he came to us, he wouldn’t go near the water, let alone in it.

“To now have him jumping those drops into the iconic Badminton Lake is just magical.”