DRESSAGE rider Joanna Thurman-Baker has been picked for the European Young Riders Championship in Valencia this month.

The 18-year-old’s persistence paid off as she finally made it onto the team after being named as a reserve three times previously.

The former Great Marlow School student said: “It was a bit of a surprise. I was hoping I would get the phone call but it was still a surprise. Six riders were shortlisted and four went through so it was nerve-wracking.

“I got the call and it said ‘congratulations….see you in Valencia.”

She said: “It’s the highlight of my career so far. It means everything to me. I have been trying to get on a European team for five years. I can’t wait to get to Valencia”

She added: “It was tough being a reserve and never being called up but it made me even more determined and I’d say ‘next year, I will be on that team.”

Throughout her training she has had to sit back and watch with pride as her older sister Samantha has competed on the international stage - now she will get the chance to do it herself.

She said: “I have always been very supportive of her but it always made me think if she’s doing it, I want to be like her.”

All her family ride and Joanna’s potential was evident from an early age but it was only when she was able to conquer her nerves that the performances really started coming.

She said: “I used to get really nervous and not perform to my best. I used to get jelly legs and wouldn’t ride to full power in test events. Now I ride like I do at home and blank out who is watching or how big the event is.

“It was frustrating because I knew I could do better and knew I needed to take control. I just told myself I was not going to let my nerves ruin it for me.”

Dedication has also been key. She packed in her sixth form studies at Great Marlow School halfway through.

She said: “I didn’t want to go to university I just wanted to ride.”