Steeton schoolgirl Laura Stephenson has her sights firmly set on a career as an international showjumper.

The 15-year-old, who attends South Craven School, has just been chosen to represent England at an event in Cavan in Ireland. She has also qualified for the leading junior showjumper of the year competition at the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley in September and she is also being considered for selection for the Great Britain Nations Cup squad in Germany later this year.

Laura, who lives with her parents, David and Hazel, has been riding since she was ten years old but has only been in competition for the last three years.

She has six horses which she competes on regularly including her favourite 'Harvey' -- a 14.2 hands Palamino gelding.

David is very proud of his daughter. "She has done very well indeed considering she has only been competing for a short time," he says.

Laura, who is looking forward to her next event in Scotland, sits her GCSEs next year. "If I don't become a showjumper, I would like to to be a veterinary nurse, she said.

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