A TEENAGE showjumper hopes to become a professional champion after taking several top junior titles.

Alex Farray-Fry is only 16, but she is already tipped as a future star of the sport after winning at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

The Shelley College pupil has been riding since she was three and has been competitive since the age of four.

Proud mum Kathryn Farrar-Fry said: “I’m right behind her in all she does. It is a very competitive sport, but then so are we.

“Everybody needs a bit of luck, but Alex works so hard and is doing really well.”

Alex was placed at the Horse of the Year Show after jumping a clear round. She came second at Hickstead and in October she won at the British Show Pony Society.

She has also taken part in her first one-day British events, winning two and coming second in her third.

Alex trains at Horstead Farm, Briestfield, near Dewsbury, and fits it in around her studies in business, leisure and PE.

Her mum, who also trains Alex, added: “Alex is just starting her British eventing career and has done so well already.

“It is quite an achievement for somebody who hasn’t done eventing before.

“But to develop more we need a horse of the right calibre, which we are now looking for.”

Alex is seeking sponsorship to continue her ambition and also hopes to try out more horses who have experience competing at a top level.

The horsing genes run in the family as older brother Sam used to compete in events until he started university.

But Alex hopes she can forge a career out of her passion.

“She is so determined, she can turn her hand to anything, from showjumping to dressage,” her mum added.

“It is important for her to do her best and I will support her all the way.”