A SCHOOLGIRL equestrian is coming back down to earth after a dream week at a prestigious horse event.
And Tane Kane, who is from Eastriggs but attends Lockerbie Academy, hopes it won’t be her first and last experience of the Badminton Horse Trials.
The 14-year-old competed in their grassroots championship with horse Annaveigh Vahey.
They took on the dressage, secured a clear round in show jumping and were clear again in the cross country.
She said this week: “It was such a great feeling to be at Badminton and the atmosphere was incredible.”
Proud mum Margaret added: “The experience of watching your daughter competing in an adult class being the youngest against the cream of the country was breathtaking.
“Behind the scenes was stressful, to say the least, preparing both Tara and Anna for each discipline. But to then watch her perform at such a high level was a parent’s dream.
“Obtaining a double clear at Badminton and watching her clear those massive jumps taking it all in her stride has made us so so proud.
“Tara is a very keen, modest and humble horsewoman and works very hard. Annaveigh Vahey was shipped in from Southern Ireland just broken in at the age of four. Tara has carried out all the work herself and has trained her to this top level. They understand and trust each other.”
The teenager received a rosette and stable plaque.
The family have thanked coach Marion Stewart, their support crew, farrier and Dumfries and Galloway Council for funding, as well as Carol Irving and Claire Young.
