A HANLEY Castle High School pupil is in the running for the 2015 Fédération Equestre Internationale Pony European Championships in Sweden.

Eventer Saffron Cresswell, 14, and her 10-year-old bay gelding Cuffesgrange Little Ric hope to head to Malmö from August 5 until 9 after making the Charles Owen Great Britain provisional pony long list.

The squad secured double silver at the European competition in Millstreet, Ireland, last year. The final group of six to represent GB, plus two reserves, will be chosen further to Barbury Castle International Horse Trials next month.

Cresswell, of Welland, said: “This time last year I had just jumped my first novice and now I and the most awesome pony alive have been long listed for the European Championships.

“No words can describe how pleased I am with this achievement.Thank you to everyone who has made this happen — my family, trainers, pony and also sponsors for the amazing help they have given me over my career.”

Cresswell, who started riding at the age of three, has received dressage training from Zoe Sleigh, who is based in Sinton Green, and jump training from Stella Baylis, of Castlemorton.

Gary Parsonage, chairman of the Charles Owen British Pony programme, said: “The selectors have been very impressed with the level of commitment to improve and willingness to learn that these pony riders have shown in the trials this spring.

“As a result, we are looking at a squad that has a great mixture of experience and youth and that has the potential, we believe, to produce a squad that will make us proud in Malmö this year.”

The long list also includes Herefordshire’s Phoebe Nicholson, 16, and her pony Llanstephan Brenin.