A YOUNG horse in Bridport has been tipped for the top after gaining a higher first premium.

The yearling, called Dream The Way Back, attained the premium of 8.70 in the endurance section at the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity held at the Bicton Arena in Devon this month.

Dream The Way Back attained the highest score awarded to a potential endurance horse at Bicton.

This indicates the horse has the potential and outlook to perform at national level.

The BEF Futurity Evaluation series helps identify British bred young potential sport horses and ponies destined for careers in dressage, eventing, showjumping or endurance.

The horse’s breeder, Samantha Mowatt, said: “I’m delighted. Dream The Way Back was a bit short of preparation for the day but she behaved brilliantly.”

Dream The Way Back’s mother, Flying Dream, is owned by Carol Legg who herself trains Arab racehorses.

Meanwhile, the yearling’s dad, On The Way Back, competed in both endurance rides and Arab racing.

He also won an 80k endurance ride and came third twice in the Arab Marathon.

Samantha added: “Dream The Way Back is the first foal for either of her parents. We may race Dream, although I plan to mainly compete her in endurance rides. This was the first time I had been to the Futurity and we found everyone very friendly and the comments from the evaluators were good.

“It was also useful to get Dream out in public.”

Jan Rogers, head of equine development at the BEF, said: “The Futurity is now in its ninth year and we have seen it develop to provide real support to British breeders to help their aims.

“Through their carefully planned breeding decisions, year on year, we are seeing an improvement in the horses presented at the Futurity for evaluation.” The BEF Futurity Evaluations are held at 11 venues over 14 days throughout the UK. Entries are limited to 60 at each evaluation venue, with places keenly sought after.