ASHLEY Harrison has continued her climb up the ranks of British eventing.

She has been running her Dogmersfield-based business, Ashley Harrison Eventing, for just 18 months and only began to compete seriously during this time.

After her notable success last year when she took a fourth at the Festival of British Eventing and an Elite Eventing win at the Pony Club Championships, she is is ready to take the next step, moving up from BE novice level to intermediate.

The dressage tests will include vastly more difficult movements, the height of the jumps increase from 1.10m to 1.20m, and the cross country features ever more technical fences and combinations.

However, Ashley and her horse, Zebedee, were ready for the challenge and in only their third ever intermediate competition (the previous two were at Gatcombe), the pair placed third at the Little Downham Horse Trials.

With a 32.3 dressage, four faults in the showjumping and 4.8 time penalties in the cross country, the pair adjusted smoothly to the new pace and qualified for a return to the Festival of British Eventing, this time in the Smith and Williamson British Intermediate Championships, two levels up from the novice restricted of last year.

Ashley’s ultimate aim is to compete at CIC three-star, three levels up from where she is now.

Zebedee 9th was diagnosed with bone spavins and osteoarthritis three years ago and no-one thought he would make it this far. But with a recipe of great care, regular check-ups and his favourite pastime – competing – he is looking fit for many years to come.

For news of Ashley Harrison’s progress, visit ashleyharrisoneventing.com or email her on ashleyharrisoneventing@ gmail.com (or see her Facebook page).