DORSET equestrian star Kate Gibson is being tipped to scoop national honours this year.

The dressage rider from Higher Waterston near Dorchester will heading for the Prevac Pro International Finals at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire in September with her highly-rated four-year-old mare, Noble Gana.

The talented duo booked their place at prestigious event by finishing

second in a region qualifying round at Kingston Maurward.

Smartie, as Noble Gana is better known, came runner-up to the Sarah Pidgely-owned stallion, Sandroman and was also nominated Best Mare by the competition judge.

Kate, 25, explained: "The competition required all the horses to be ridden within the indoor arena together. They were then split into pairs and took it in turns to show their paces to the judge.

"After that they were brought together again to walk and trot before the judge, before the first five were selected."

Smartie, out of Noble Roi (sire) and Galvano (dam), is in her first

year of competition after being bought by Kate as a foal in Germany.

Her other successes include qualification at the first attempt for this summer's Badminton Young Dressage Horse of the Future finals after finishing fourth behind three five-year-old challengers.

"I am so pleased," added Kate. "Achieving entry into the finals of the Prevac at the first attempt is beyond my wildest dreams.

"I entered Smartie because I thought she was good enough but I also felt it was good experience for her as I hope to do well in the Badminton final in August.

"Now I will try to win both competitions and this should also help promote myself as an trainer for both rider and horse.

"I have worked so hard over the years since achieving my BHSAI qualification from Hartpury College in Gloucestershire and now the rewards are beginning to come in."

Anyone interested in horse or rider training, schooling and full training liveries can contact Kate on (01305) 848820.