Despite a minimal lead-in time, a local horse has maximised his dressage prowess at a recent competition.

The horse, named The Maxster, along with rider Shannon Davis were part of an Oaklands College Riding for the Disabled (RDA) team which collected 15 wins while competing in the Eastern Regional RDA qualifier. That is despite The Maxster being borrowed just three weeks prior to the competition, held at the further education college’s Smallford campus in Hatfield Road, for the sixth year.

The team’s success means winning riders now go through to the national championships.

Over 100 riders competed at the qualifier, in classes that required skill and poise.

The Oaklands College RDA team consisted of 35 riders from its landmark and equine departments, as well as its own riding school.

Sarah Moreland, head of department, land-based industries, said: “To have so many students win just shows the hard work they’ve each put in.

“We have had to say goodbye to a few horses and welcomed a few new members, which the students have had to work very hard with.

“The Maxster was borrowed three weeks prior to the regionals and our student Shannon Davis has done so well.”

The Maxster’s owner Nikki Reeder said she was very proud of him being part of the Oaklands RDA dressage team.

Oaklands’ principal, and keen supporter of the RDA, Zoe Hancock said it was, “heart-warming to see the inspirational role the RDA plays.

“Oaklands has one of the best equestrian departments in the country and we are one of the very few venues with facilities capable of hosting this type of event.”

Zoe said everyone was “keeping their fingers crossed” for the championships being held July 18-20 at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.