DORSET equestrian star Kate Gibson is riding high thanks to a fine display on her own horse, Higher Waterston Sanne.

Together, the pair secured second place, and the sash for best mare, in the four-year-old section of the Pre-Vac Pro Potential International Dressage Qualifier in Cornwall.

Kate, who trains at Higher Waterston near Dorchester, acquired her 16.2hh daughter of Don Primarie as an unbroken three-year-old from owner Edward Bleekman, who spotted her in Holland.

"She's a really lovely mare to work with and has great paces," she said.

Kate has qualified Sanne and a gelding she has on livery, called Donners Dream, for the Badminton Young Dressage Horse finals which is a nationwide competition for four and five-year-olds to be held later this month.

Also at Tall Trees, Kate went on to qualify her other mare, Higher Waterston Noble Gana, who took the reserve spot in the five-year-old section of the Pre-Vac Pro competition.

"I bought her as a foal in Germany," said Kate, who trains with Silva Olsen-Bedding.

"She's by the thoroughbred stallion, Noble Roi, out of a mare by Galvano Grande. She's not the easiest to handle at home but always settles and rises to the occasion at shows. I am very proud of all three horses."

The Pre-Vac Pro finals are to be held at the National Agriculture Centre, Stoneleigh at the end of September.

* Kate Gibson is a fully qualified trainer and also teaches pupils on a one-to-one basis and schools liveries. For further information telephone 01305 848820.