Two Essex riders are on their way back to Wembley by virtue of having gained early qualification for national finals at the Horse of the Year Show, which is to be held in September.

Lauley Squibb, 15, from South Weald, secured her place when she finished runners-up in the Squibb & Davies Junior Foxhunter second round held at the Norfolk Show Jumping Club, near Snetterton.

Together with the six year old Irish bred grey gelding, she was one of only four partnerships who made it through to contest the third and final time round, when despite having one fence down, achieved the fastest time.

"This is definitely the one final I would love to win as it is my dad's company who sponsors the competition," the delighted teenager said afterwards.

Felsted's Rowena Ockendon-Day secured her place when finishing third in the national grade C qualifying competition at Pyecombe in Sussex at the weekend.

A direct qualifying competition for the Horse of the Year Show, only three places were on offer and an enormous entry saw 31 go clear in the first round.

Drawn towards the end of those who went through to contest the timed jump off, 21 year old Rowena's round on Gramena was good enough to take third place and she had to hold her breath to watch the others go before her Wembley place was secured.

"This was only the third of the qualifiers to be held, so it was great to get it out of the way so early on. '

'There were some good combinations still to go after me, and I did have a few anxious moments watching them but I am delighted to have qualified.

"She's a brilliant mare and I can now concentrate on our Newcomers and Foxhunter second rounds."

Rowena has been riding the British bred eight year old grey mare for the last year, during which time she has slowly and carefully brought her on.

They have already qualified for the Osborne Refrigeration grade C final at Hickstead this weekend and the young show jumper final at Olympia at Christmas.

Her sister Rebecca, 23, enjoyed an equally successful time at the Royal Norfolk Show during the week.

Together with Kentucky Mariner, she was placed seventh in the show's main competition, the Daewoo Grand Prix and finished eighth in the ride and drive.

In the International Trial, Rebecca and Clover Chief were one of only four clear rounds and they were also runners-up in the speed competition.

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