Essex's Laura Louden has enjoyed an unforgettable few weeks, which have seen the talented young show-jumper win gold for England and make the line-up in a top national championship.

The Althorne rider began at the Cavan Home Pony International in Ireland, which attracted some strong entries.

Laura, 14, was on the 138cms England team, riding the veteran pony Blaen-y-Fan Jubilee, and found herself part of a nailbiting finish with the Scotland quartet.

"Scotland and England both finished on four faults after two rounds, over a really good course," explained Laura's mother, Mrs Debbie Louden.

"The jump-off course was quite twisty and the riders were under pressure and had to work together as a team. It was team work that pulled them through to win and it was a lovely experience to be part of."

Laura and her chestnut pony then journeyed to the Royal International Horse Show, staged at the famous Hickstead arena in Sussex.

They had qualified for the National Winter 138cms Championships held in Hickstead's vast international arena, along with the best 14 years and under show-jumpers in the country.

"Laura jumped the first clear in the opening round of the Championship, with another five ponies eventually joining her in the jump-off," Debbie continued.

"The first round course was very strong, up to 1.25m and with a double that caught quite a few out."

Laura was drawn first against the clock, always a difficult position in such a top quality field.

"She did a lovely turn up to a stile and then had to push on to the double. She just missed it and had a stop, but got back quickly and put the pressure on."

When only two riders could go clear Laura's quick thinking paid off, leaving her in a highly creditable third place.

What makes her achievement all the more remarkable is that she had come back from a serious head injury, after being kicked by a pony at home, just three months ago.

Laura, who is trained by Wickford's Maggie Lockhart and was making her England debut at Cavan, will now have a short break from competition.

"We'll give her pony a rest," Debbie added, "and then come out for the Festival of Show Jumping at Arena UK at the end of August."

Wiining duo: Laura Louden with Blaen-y-Fan Jubilee, with whom she won gold at the Cavan Home International Tournament.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.