Stainton's Charlotte impresses at Horse of the Year Show

A TALENTED young rider has done Teesdale proud at the nation’s biggest horse show.
Charlotte Martin, from Stainton Village, was the highest ranked junior and highest placed amateur at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.
The 15-year-old Barnard Castle School pupil finished third in the home produced horse category on Solaris Dwenqua, beating professionals in front of a crowd of thousands at the Birmingham NEC.
“I was really scared,” said Charlotte.
“The first time always is scary because there are so many people.
“You go from an isolated arena into lots of people everywhere,” she added.
“It was quite intimidating but once I was in there it was very exciting.”
After tasting success at the show back in 2003 with championship winning horse, Merrigan, mum Clare Martin was over the moon with Charlotte’s debut effort.
“We have been there a few times so we have that experience – it was the first time for Charlotte so that adds to any possible anxiety of riding for the first time,” said Mrs Martin.
“Even though Charlotte felt nervous she did not show it – she was cool, calm and collected and she rode the horse to perfection.
“We could not be happier.”
A regimented preparation process and a plethora of vet checks wracked nerves before the main event.
But Charlotte overcame any first time jitters gathering top marks from the “confirmation judge” and finishing just four marks behind the top prize.
“There are black curtains all around the arena and spotlights on you – it’s magical,” said Charlotte.
“You cannot see anyone else once you are in the ring – it's completely different to any other show.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better horse to do it on – she was perfect and just stood there while the others were getting scared by the cheering.
“She just took it all in.”
Charlotte, Mrs Martin and dad Glen were joined by a number of villagers and friends who made the long journey to the midlands to support the youngster.
Mrs Martin added: “There was so much support – people have really taken Charlotte to their hearts in the last couple of years.
“The amount of people from the village and the riding club supporting us was a real buzz.”
“It was reassuring and kept me smiling,” added Charlotte.
Mrs Martin also praised Stainton villager Christine Bell for all her help.
“She started coming to shows with me in 1996. There were tears of pride in her eyes watching Charlotte take over from where we left off,” said Mrs Martin.
“It’s really nice to have people like Christine supporting us.”
For now, it’s back to the world of GCSE revision for Charlotte but the family still have one eye on next year.
“We want to try and qualify again,” added Mrs Martin.
“It’s been such an enjoyable experience so why not.”