SHOWJUMPING: Wroot’s Wicks claims International podium spot

Representing Great Britain for the first time, Wicks began the weekend by coming first in the warm up class on Thursday, where she was the only competitor to enjoy a clear run, and did so in 72.94 seconds.

She then recorded a third place in the main event on Friday, resulting in a third place finish overall on ten-year-old bay mare Avalon Mill.

“It was really exciting being at an event that I’ve never experienced before,” said Wicks.

“Representing my country for the first time, I was really pleased with how it went.

“We won in the warm up class on Thursday and managed third in the main event on Friday, which counted for more, but it was still a good finish.”

Wicks’ third place finish completed a second and third place double for Great Britain, as team mate Sally Kingsley from Harrogate took second place in 62.96, with Wicks recording a time of 63.63 seconds.

Wicks qualifies for the para competition as a result of injuries she sustained having been dragged in the wake of a horse.

Having caught her wedding ring on her horse, she was then dragged along and lost a finger as a result.

But the mother of two and cancer survivor has not let her injuries prevent her from enjoying success on a horse. And she says she will now look to build on representing Great Britain as she prepares for more big events, and hopes to be back in La Baule again in the future.

“Hopefully I can keep working hard and doing well and keep my name in contention to go again,” she said.

“I’ll be looking to keep doing well in upcoming national events, and stand myself in good stead.

“The next big para event is the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire in July.”