A DARWEN horserider has made it through to one of the country's top riding championships for disabled people.

Felicity Coulthard, 19, who suffers from cerebral palsy, achieved a grade one at the Solihull Riding Club Qualifier which now means she will compete in the Kbis Disabled Dressage Riding Championships.

She will return to the Midlands in September for the championships, which are held in Warwickshire, after her impressive showing in the regional rounds.

The success is the latest achievement for Felicity, who spent 18 months overcoming an accident in 2000. Felicity, of Essex Street, said: "I am delighted to go through to the nationals.

"This is a real achievement for me and I am looking forward to heading to Warwickshire later this year."

Felicity's achievement has impressed sponsors of the event, Kbis, an equestrian insurance company.

Guy Priest from the company said: "The level of dedication, horsemanship and results puts the rest of us to shame, and I have the utmost respect and admiration for Felicity and all the riders who have taken part."

Felicity's goal is to compete in the Paralympics in 2012.

She came close to getting to the next Paralympics, but her father Jim said it was just an honour to be considered.

Felicity has problems with her speech and mobility because of her cerebral palsy but she said it just makes her even more determined to succeed.

She currently trains with an advanced Instructor and travels a round trip of 180 miles once a month for training sessions at the Yorkshire Riding Centre.