British pony rider Natasha Leak won her first test at an international show riding De Vito at Weert CDI-PJYR, Holland, 15-18 May 2008.

 

Natasha, aged 14, has been competing in affiliated dressage since she was nine. She rode her sister’s 13-year-old 14.2hh German-bred stallion to victory in the individual test and finished second in the team test.

 

“I’ve got the ride on him until my sister is old enough to do ponies,” said a chuffed Natasha, who only started to ride De Vito this year as his former rider, Alexandria Barr, has moved up to juniors.

 

Alexandria and the striking palomino were members of the British team at the 2006 and 2007 European Pony Championships, winning team bronze last year.

 

Natasha, who is trained by Peter Storr, also represented her country at the 2006 Pony Europeans riding DHI Langar. She is based at her parents’ competition yard, Willerby Hill, in Yorkshire.

For the full results, visit www.youthdressagefestival.nl.