CHELSEA Bristow is being tipped for a bright future in equestrian after being awarded third in the Young Rider National Championships.

The 16-year-old, who has been riding for five years, claimed the accolade while representing England at Newmarket where she placed second in an 80km endurance race aboard Babouska.

Chelsea’s father Stewart told Echosport: “Chelsea has been riding since she was 11 but has only been taking part in endurance races over the past six months where she has scored high in the eight rides she has done so far.

“She has also secured a place at Kingston Maurward Equestrian College for this September and the fact she was recently picked to ride for England and was awarded third in the Young Rider National Championships was a fantastic achievement.”

Commenting further on the ex-Royal Manor Arts College student, Stewart added: “The horse Chelsea rides is from Chesil Equestrian Centre on Portland where she also rides Sue Lee’s horses.

“Sue has sponsored her in respect of horses and transport and Martin Brain, the owner of the Lobster Pot Cafe at Portland Bill, has helped finance her riding, and Chelsea is extremely grateful for their continued support.”

Last weekend, Endurance GB funded Chelsea to ride 120km in the Berkshire Downs aboard Sawcy and it appears the sky is the limit for the talented teenager whose older sister Natasha is also making waves in the sport.

Stewart said: “Natasha is 21 now but has been riding from the age of five. She is currently living and working at dressage stables in Henley-in-Arden, near Birmingham, and was also in competition at the weekend. She has a 10-year plan with her ultimate goal being to compete in a future Olympics.”