A GROUP of young showjumpers from Kent are to compete in a new event, Horse and Pony World.

Leigh Maybin, of Ashford, Sarah Gorham, of Woodchurch, Paula Millen, of Great Chart, Kim Wratten, of Maidstone, and Charlotte Foreman, of Canterbury, will be performing indoors at the South of England Showground, Ardingly on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1.

The company behind the show, Ashford-based Business Media, brought the team together to support some of the best young riders in the country, and to give them the opportunity of performing alongside some of the top names in the sport.

Maybin was fourth in the Junior Newcomer class at the recent Horse of the Year Show and is number 42 on the junior ranking list; Gorham won the Under-21 Young Rider final, at Bicton; Millen, 16, trains and competes in young rider classes; Wratten won four classes at the Amateur Nations Cup, and Foreman won the speed Derby and the Young Rider finals at Pyecombe.

As a team they will compete for the Puissance, a knock-out competition made famous by the TV coverage of the Olympia International Showjumping. The wall is raised every time a rider succeeds in clearing, until one rider is left.

Event director Christine Davidson said: “Everything about the show is for the general enjoyment of horses and ponies, so we felt it very appropriate to back a local team who have achieved success at a young age.

“The event is designed for everyone. We have performances from international stars and Olympians such as Geoff Billington, John and Charlotte Lassetter, Brooke Staples, Jeannette Brakewell and Ellen Whitaker.

“There are also stunt riders “Horsemen of the Apocalypse” and jousting from Kent-based “Knights of Royal England”.

“Anyone who has seen the films Gladiator, Jason and the Argonauts or A Knight’s Tale will have seen these riders in action.

“It’s perfect for Christmas as exhibitors are a central part of this event, and will be offering special deals.”

The entry cost is £25 for a family of four, £10 per adult and £5 per child under 16, with free parking.