AN OVER Wallop teenager is set to be the third successive generation of her family to represent her country in dressage as she prepares to take on Europe’s most talented young riders.

Sixteen-year-old Charlotte Dicker has recently been selected to compete for Great Britain in the Junior and Young Rider European Championships.

The talented teen, who has recently finished her GSCEs at Test Valley School, will team up with Ian McRobbie’s horse, Sabatini, and some of Great Britain’s top riders to compete in the tournament, which will take place in Vidauban, France.

However, all eyes will be on Charlotte, who will go into the competition with quite a reputation. The sixteen-year-old follows in the footsteps of both her mother and grandmother who have previously represented Great Britain on both the European and world stage.

Her mother, Anne Dicker, who currently manages Catherston Stud in Over Wallop, took part in several competitions for her country, most successfully taking a team silver at the 1986 Young Riders European Championship in Kronberg.

However, it is her grandmother, Jennie Loriston-Clarke MBE, whose name carries the most weight in the world of dressage.

The current President of British Dressage previously represented Great Britain in four Olympic games between 1972 and 1988 as well as the alternate Olympics in 1980.

Mrs Loriston-Clarke also won an individual bronze medal while riding Dutch Courage at the 1978 World Equestrian Games at Goodwood, before finally calling time on her 25 year international career in 1995. As bloodlines go - Charlotte certainly has pedigree.

Yet despite the obvious pressure that comes with having such a successful family name, Charlotte is determined to carve her own dynasty as well as adding to the achievements of her mother and grandmother.

Charlotte said: “I’m honoured to carry on the tradition.

“My Mum always likes to keep quiet about her silver medal but it was such a great achievement, and granny was a role model to so many riders in Britain.

“To follow on from that is amazing.”

Asked about her reaction to being selected, Charlotte said: “I was ecstatic when I got the news but I had to get to school because I was about to take my maths exam!

“I’m really excited and looking forward to joining up with the team.”

Charlotte’s selection comes just four years after her first training session in dressage and less than a year after teaming up with Sabatini - nicknamed ‘Soli’.

Her first appearance in the championship will be this afternoon when she participates in the team event before her and Soli take on the individual test on Friday.