A YOUNG rider from Wotton-under-Edge hopes to strike gold with help from a triple Olympic dressage champion.

Jess Parsons, who, as a young dressage hopeful, represented Gloucestershire, won a competition that provides sponsorship and the thrilling opportunity to be mentored by Natasha Baker MBE in January 2017.

Natasha won two gold dressage medals in the London Paralympics 2012 and one gold medal in Rio 2016.

Jess, 21, is currently training her new horse Tilly to competition readiness. Next year’s Under 25s Sheepgate Dressage Championships is their next target. Tilly, or Tiarella as she is known during competition, is still inexperienced so Jess believes shows in 2017 are a viable option.

Jess has been around horses for as long as she can remember. She, with her mum and aunt, fell in love with Tilly, a beautiful grey-silver horse aged seven, at first sight in Suffolk.

“Tilly had a cheeky personality, and was quite naughty, with lots of character. But she is well behaved, and a kind horse. She looks after me. I have never felt in danger with her.” Jess and Tilly have been bonding for three years now and a near daily routine sees them out together. “I take her up through the fields and to North Nibley Woods.” A senior competition on Tilly’s home soil in North Nibley in February was a turning point for horse and rider.

“My proudest moment with Tilly was at the start of this season when I moved her up from Novice level. She scored 73.75 per cent, a personal best.”

At one time Jess considered studying art. But now in her the third year of an equine business management course at University of the West of England she feels her passion for riding has too strong a pull.

Jess said: “I spend too much time with her, I ride her in the morning and then when I get home. Tilly is my pride and joy.”

As part of the prize Jess will also receive a year’s sponsorship and a professional equine photoshoot of her with Tilly.

Jess said: “I watched Natasha on TV during the Paralympics. I am impressed what all of the riders can do when they are compromised in different ways.

“I was absolutely delighted when I got the call to tell me that I had won. I was in tears when I was told that I will get to meet with Natasha.”