CHARLOTTE Noel, from Exford, and her locally bred Argentine pony El Gringo are celebrating winning a clutch of awards in the 2019 international and national endurance season.

And at 63, she was particularly thrilled to have been named ‘most exciting newcomer’.

The highlight of the season was the August Festival of Endurance, sponsored by Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Euston Park in Norfolk, where Charlotte and El Gringo finished second in the 40km novice class.

They were also second in the Nationals, held in Suffolk, as well as being first past the post in the Red Dragon Festival in Wales.

Added Carlotte: “It’s ridiculous – I was awarded the most exciting newcomer at a gala dinner and I am 63!”

* Endurance riders are now preparing for the annual Golden Horseshoe event from May 22 to 24, based at the Exford showground.

The organisers are adding two new classes to this year’s schedule – a 24km foundation novice GER class as well as a 48km novice ‘Try a Vetgate’ class.

They will also be running a team event with four nominated horses and up to four riders competing the 24km novice on one day and the 40km class, for all levels, on the other.