HAVERFORDWEST dressage rider Sophie Truswell left Bury Farm with a tale to tell last month after being crowned the My Quest Novice Under 18 national champion.

Sophie, currently based at Writtle University in Essex studying Veterinary Physiotherapy, posted a score of 71.67 on her horse Foxcourt Tell Tale to be crowned overall winner at the 2017 Quest Championships.

Her success is the culmination of years of progress, having first began riding at the age of four at Bowlings Riding School, and for over a decade has competed regularly in show jumping, dressage and cross country.

At 15, she became one of only 20 riders in the UK to achieve the Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA). To achieve the Gold YELA she had to volunteer with four BEF Member Bodies - British Dressage; Riding for the Disabled (RDA); Pony Club and BSJA.

The volunteer project raised £200 for the RDA, and her award was presented to her by HRH Princess Anne at the RDA Conference in Liverpool.

Her current horse, Foxcourt Tell Tale, is a seven-year-old bay Sports Horse gelding. He was bought by Sophie in 2015 and since then the pair have focussed on the BYRDS (British Young Rider Dressage Scheme).

Sophie described the win as the icing on the cake and said she was grateful to trainers Stephen and Claire, and her parents, for their support.