A WORCESTERSHIRE schoolgirl has her hopes set for equestrian Olympic glory after winning several major dressage competitions over the summer.

Cassandra Eaves won the Midarc UK National Young Riders Championship on her horse Bella Emma.

Just a few days later, 16-yearold Cassandra, who attends Worcester Sixth Form College, cantered off with the Bromsgrove and District Riding Club junior dressage championship.

Before that, they won the Abbey dressage open points championship at Tewkesbury and came seventh in the Trailblazers UK National finals at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire.

Their success is even more remarkable as they only started the preliminary classes in April.

Bella Emma, a 15.3 hands high piebald mare, had never been in the ring before. Not only that, she has no known parentage as she came over from Ireland a year ago along with several other horses.

“I would love to represent my country in the Olympic Games in the future,” said Cassanda, who lives at Tibberton and is studying English language, health and social care, sociology and philosophy and ethics.

“This year’s games have inspired me so much, which is the same for a lot of sports people.

“It has made a tremendous impact. The wins Bella Emma and I have had this summer have been fantastic, but I am only just starting on what I hope will be a long and successful equestrian career. I know that there is a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication both in my riding and in taking care of my horse if I want to achieve my goals.”

Cassandra has the added advantage of having a knowledgeable horse-mad mum in Sally Eaves, who herself has had plenty of success at dressage and showjumping.

“I used to bring many horses in to the UK from Poland, Ireland, Denmark and Germany and produce them and sell them on but I haven’t got the time now and I am so proud of Cassandra. I am over the moon for her,” said Sally.

“They have enjoyed a meteoric rise to success but they are made for each other.

“We obviously took a chance with Bella Emma as we didn’t know her pedigree or background. But she has the most fantastic temperament and she was backed so we went for it.

“We couldn’t be happier. Next year we plan to progress to higher levels.

“Who knows what we might win. This will require lots of hard work and commitment.”