THE Smith brothers are riding high and racing fast after a successful 2004.

Ryan, 11, is a pony rider and was recently crowned North West Area show jumping champion.

And older brother Aaron, 14, is the British Schoolboy Motocross rider.

The Rhyddings High School pair, from Oswaldtwistle, have both excelled at their chosen sports and are hoping there is plenty more to come in 2005.

Ryan is a member of Holcombe Pony Club and represents the club across the North West in a variety of disciplines including show jumping, cross country and triathlon.

But he excelled at the beginning of this year on his pony, Red, when he beat off 82 other riders at Osbaldeston Riding Centre to be crowned North West Champion in the 14 and Under class.

And Ryan and Red had to hold their nerve to do it in a 48-contestant jump off but they rode a superb round in a good time to clinch the title.

"It was an amazing day for Ryan," said his mum Gillian.

Ryan was also crowned Accrington and District Riding Club's overall points champion and Hyndburn Junior Points Champions for the 2004 season.

This year, Ryan is looking to add cross country jumping and one-day events to his calendar so he and Red will be travelling around the region.

While Ryan is a hit on four legs, brother Aaron excelled on two wheels.

Aaron has just completed a successful year of racing, where he finished seventh in the British Schoolboy Championships, sixth in the KWS International Series and eighth in the 85cc International Grand Prix Of Ireland - competing against older boys.

This is as well as being the Northern Youth Champion, the Cumbrian Youth Champ and was runner-up in both the East Cumbrian and Northern Centre Championships.

And Aaron takes another big step this year.

"He will be taking part in the European racing circuit where he will compete again with the elite in Italy. Germany and Bulgaria," added Gillian. "Both their achievements are special and now we want a safe 2005 for both of them."

The Smith brothers have help from local sponsors: Clarke of Accrington Motorcycles, Mick Riley Builders, Howard Leyland Printing, S&D Car sales, Tony Shaw Welding, Geoff Smith builders, Hyndburn cars, Clayton Racing, Arc Barfitters, Jeff Dewhurst (electrician) and Oswaldtwistle Animal Feeds.