SOPHIE Holliday fractured two vertebrae in a riding accident in January but was last week competing at the British Showjumping Scope Festival where she won the National C Grade Championship on her horse ‘Limo’.

Holliday, the 19-year-old from Somersham, who was already a two-time National Discovery Champion, beat hundreds of riders from all over the country over the last six months to qualify on her 11-year-old gelding ‘Westerhofs Limit’ for three classes at the event.

But it was over fences up to the height of 1.35m in the National Grade C competition that she excelled.

“She was petrified standing next to one of the fences only just being able to see over the top,” said her father, Roger Holliday, who walked the course with his daughter before her first round. “She went in 20th from the 32 starters and was only one of seven to have a perfect round.”

From there she went on to better the likes of international showjumper Tim Page on Steady The Helm and another top rider Jamie Wingrove on Diva II to win the jump off.

“This is a great achievement by Sophie,” said her father. “She will now compete at the Horse of the Year Show on October 9 and is desperate to find some sponsorship to enable her to continue competing at the highest level.”

For anyone interested in helping out, please contact the rider through her website at could www.sophieholliday.com

St Ives Chiropractic Clinic, The Centurion Club of Somersham and Long Drove Dressage Centre have already helped Holliday out during her adventure.