OSWALDTWISTLE horse rider Ryan Smith is jumping for joy after a superb double.

The 15-year-old qualified as both a junior and senior for the finals of the 2008 National Trailblazer Show jumping competition.

Rhyddings High School pupil Ryan travelled to Barton Equestrian Centre in Preston for the qualifying competition, where the top four riders go through to the national finals at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire in April.

During the morning session, Ryan rode his 14.2hh pony Sophie to victory in the junior class, which allows entries from riders 16 years and under who are riding ponies 14.2hh and under.

Then, after lunch, Ryan entered the senior section with his 15.0hh horse Turpin and rode him into second place to clinch a senior qualifying place too.

Ryan said: "I was confident I would be able to qualify Sophie for the finals, she is a reliable jumper but to also qualify Turpin was a fantastic result.

"I have been to the Trailblazer finals for the past two years with my pony Red, who has now been sold because I outgrew her, so going again for the third year running as both a junior and senior competitor will be great."