Rising Eventing star, Victoria Smith, from Chipping Norton, is the 2011 Charles Owen British Pony champion.

The 14-year-old rider triumphed at Brand Hall, near Market Drayton, Shropshire with Phoebe Russel’s pony Chit Chat III.

Smith only started her British Eventing Pony Trial campaign this season, riding both Chit Chat III and also the more experienced Daraks Tonto.

She led after the dressage phase with a score of 36.9 and put in foot-perfect cross country and showjumping rounds to take the title.

Riders contested the three-day event format competition under the watchful eyes of the British pony team selectors in effort to gain a place in this year’s European Championships.

The squad for the championships, which will take place in Jaskowo, Poland from June 26-31 will be announced shortly.