A MUM-of-two from Rangeworthy has described her first dressage competition win as a “dream come true.”

Berkeley Hunt Riding club member Rachael Griffiths, 44, won the Individual Preliminary Championships at the South West Inter County Championship at The Hand in Clevedon on her ten-year-old horse Wendo.

She was also part of a team for the first time and they came second after she was selected at a successful trial to represent Avon for Cabot in a competition for mixed ability riders.

Griffiths used to event and took up dressage about 10 years ago, but took a step back and dedicated her time to taking her two daughters - Iona, 13, and India, 10 – to competitions.

They repaid the favour by cheering their mum on at the Inter County Championships and she made the most of her chance to shine, admitting it came as a complete shock when she was announced as the winner after two days of competition.

“It was amazing. I’ve never won anything before,” said Griffiths.

“I didn’t even think I’d been placed so it was like a dream come true.”

“I’ve spent many years supporting my kids and this is my time now. It was wonderful.

“I’ve been doing it for many, many years but I took a step back and I’m going for it now.

“Without the help and support from my two girls Iona and India and my husband Ian I could never have managed to get there.”

Griffiths has also qualified for the Summer Regional Championships at the David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow in July and is looking forward to moving up to novice level with Wendo, who she bought two years ago.

“He tries his heart out and couldn’t have done more,” Griffiths added.

“If it hadn’t been for him I wouldn’t have got there.”