A TALENTED horsewoman from East Morton is hoping for glory at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials when she competes against the best in the world.

Charlotte Brear will be riding Siren, a big dark bay who she has had since he was a foal, and who recently took her to 16th place in the British Eventing Open Championships at Gatcombe Park.

"His proper name is Manor Missile, but his stable name is Siren, and at first I had him on loan, but then my parents bought him for me as a 21st birthday present," said Miss Brear, 27.

The 17.1h is a cross between a Shire horse and a racing thoroughbred, and she said he combines the best of their qualities.

However, his size turns the intricate moves of dressage into a tougher than normal test.

Miss Brear added: "Because he's so big, he can cross the arena in half as many steps as most horses, which makes it a bit tricky to control him, especially as I'm quite small at 5ft 4in."

The former Bradford Grammar School student now works in Leeds at the family-owned car gearbox repair business run by her parents, Stephen and Barbara Brear.

She said every spare minute was spent travelling to, or taking part in, horse riding events.

The Burghley Horse Trials start on September 3.

The three-day event, at Stamford in Lincolnshire, is one of the most popular and highly regarded on the equestrian calendar.

Competition categories include dressage, showjumping and cross-country.

About 160,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, sponsored by Land Rover.

And the trials will have an official artist for the first time. Patrick Latham, who has drawn for Horse and Hound, will be documenting the action.

He will produce illustrations of competitors in action, spectators and other attractions, including an array shops and food stands.

Visit burghley-horse.co.uk for more details.

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