A RIDER with an inherited metabolic condition has overcome her disability to qualify for national dressage championships.

Stokesley School student Laura Curson will compete in the RDA Championships which will be staged in Hartpury, Gloucestershire, later this month.

The 13-year-old, of Stokelsey, was diagnosed with the condition when she was two but still took up horse riding three years later.

A member of the Unicorn Centre at Stainton, the Year 8 student qualified at an event staged at Northallerton Equestrian Centre and will be one of the youngest in a 16-strong team also competing in showjumping events.

Laura will ride her 16hh horse in dressage at the three-day competition that attracts some of the best competitors in the country.

“I love riding as I feel like I haven’t got a disability,” she said. “It is really nice that the school has also been so supportive. I have to raise £2,000 and have organised a number of fundraisers, including cake stalls, and everyone has been great.

“The Unicorn Centre is amazing too and I train there on a Wednesday and a Saturday. I can’t wait for the nationals and would love to compete in the Paralympics one day.”

Head teacher Hannah Millett said: “Laura really is incredible and never lets her disability get in the way of anything she wants to do. We are so excited that she has reached the nationals and wish her the very best of luck.”