A student from Truro High School for Girls has been named Devon and Cornwall County Champion after coming first in her class at a recent showjumping championship.

Year 8 student Arabella, 12, from the Falmouth area, came first in her class at the National Schools Equestrian Association County Showjumping Championships.

Arabella won her class with her horse Dottie by three seconds against over 30 entrants, earning herself the title of Devon and Cornwall County Champion.

Arabella's mum Melanie, said: "Arabella has just started taking part in bigger competitions, she went to the Pony Club National Championships last summer and loved it!

"It was really exciting for her to be at Bicton, competing against pupils from all over the South West.

"Those jumps were huge but she and Dottie were keen to have a go!"

Arabella said: "I was really nervous but excited too.

Falmouth Packet: Arabella and DottieArabella and Dottie

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"I trust Dottie to give it her best go as she is just such a brave, amazing pony!

"I’m so excited to be in 3 classes at Hickstead as I’ve never been there before but have heard it’s really fun!"

"I’d like to qualify for the Badminton Grassroots Championship in the future so Dottie and I are working on her dressage as she’s not so good at that, and nor am I!

"We both prefer jumping but you have to be able to do dressage for eventing so we have plenty to work on!"

Melanie continued: "The local support has been great - Truro High School for Girls became NSEA members so that Arabella could take part in their competitions and also allowed her to miss morning registration in the darkest weeks so that she could ride before school.

"The local equestrian community have all been lovely too, with congratulations and support from so many of them and there’s no way she would be able to do this without the support of our great local instructors and the Four Burrow Pony Club."