A HORSE rider from Preston is jumping for joy after qualifying for one of the most prestigious riding championships in the country.

Danielle Ryder, 21, of Bee Lane, Penwortham, is to compete against 24 other riders at the Olympia International Show Jumping Championships, in London, next month.

Throughout the year the former Penwortham Girls' High School pupil has won her way through a score of under-21 classes, with only two individuals able to qualify out of each one.

At the London championships, from December 19 to 23, Danielle will be jumping on Mr Marnix, a 16-hand high male horse, owned by Dave Carr, from Blackburn.

The young rider has ridden the seven-year-old bay gelding since she was four years old.

Danielle said: "This is something I've always wanted to do -- I have competed at Wembley in the Horse of the Year show and came third, but never at Olympia.

"I think I have got a very good chance of winning and if I do I will feel fantastic because it will be a dream come true."

Danielle is devoted to her sport and makes a living from showing other people's horses. She said: "It doesn't pay very well -- the last time I won a competition I earned £1,000 and owners also pay you to ride their horses, but it is definitely a vocation.

"I don't get frightened of being injured," she said: "but I have seen many fall off. I once saw a competitor come off and break his neck."

With the 2001 show finishing the day before Christmas Eve, the entertainment will take on added festive spirit, and Danielle is calling on people to help sponsor her trip to the capital.

And with more than £233,000 prize money on offer, the ten-performance show has one of the biggest cash awards on in Europe. To donate cash to help Danielle call 255532.