HORSE rider Felicity Coulthard is celebrating after being shortlisted for a top training programme she hopes will see her through to the Paralympics in 2012.

The Darwen 19-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, has been keeping her hopes up since she applied to take part in the the Para World Class Start and Potential Programme.

A letter from Sport England informed her she had made the final 10 in her section but she is not getting too excited as she has been disappointed before.

Her dad, Jim, said: "Apparently, there were more than 400 applicants trying for just 40 places across the three Olympic and one Paralympic disciplines.

"The Olympic disciplines are dressage, eventing and show jumping, and the Paralympic discipline is dressage.

And although Fliss has done well to be included within the ast 10 or so, Felicity knows from her experience last year that the final selection process is an extremely gruelling test on both horse and rider.

"Therefore, it is far from being a foregone conclusion that she is home and dry as yet - but we are keeping our fingers crossed.

"She would like to thank her trainers Jane Bartle-Wilson and Kate Bailey, as well as Ruth and John Fuller of the Pendle-based Saddle Company, and Maureen Lee of Pendle Riding for the Disabled Association."

Felicity, of Essex Street, 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 now has a further four nerve-wracking weeks of waiting until the final selection on Wednesday, February 18, which will be made at the Unicorn Trust, in Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire.

The programme is funded by the National Lottery through Sport England to support the country's most gifted up and coming riders.

If Felicity gets a place on the programme she we will receive expert advice and training and will stand a good chance of getting to the Paralympics in 2012.

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.