Mareike came 7th nationally for her class. Each class was divided by age and height groups - Mareike entered the D2 3.3ft and over 21 group. There were 27 riders who qualified nationally to join this group. Mareike’s class competed on Sunday 13th December.

During her studies at the College, Mareike has undertaken a coaching module which helped her to prepare for the competition. The module offered her training on how to handle and train her horse in the run up to the competition.

Mareike said: "It was a great experience and lots of fun. Staying at Aintree Racecourse was amazing. Oliver Townend held a master class which was very valuable as I can use his tips on my own horse Cooldara. I look forward to sharing the knowledge I gained with my fellow students at Writtle College."

A new media sponsor, countrychannel.tv, filmed the entire weekend and can be viewed at www.countrychannel.tv

This is the third year that the Oliver Townend Challenge Championship has been run and the competition has already established itself as one of the leading Championships, attracting thousands of competitors from across the country, many of whom have already become regulars.

The top prize, awarded to the winner of each class, was a day’s training with international event rider Oliver Townend.

To hear more from Mareike and the competition please visit the following podcast: http://www.writtle.ac.uk/video/equine%20podcast.cfm