EQUESTRIAN: Mendoza lands biggest ever win (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Lyneham show jumper Mendoza makes successful transition from ponies

9:00am Friday 15th February 2013 in Sport

WILTSHIRE’S rising show jumping star Jessica Mendoza fended off competition from Britain’s top international riders to win the 1.50m Grand Prix on Nuggets L’Amandour at Addington Manor.

Jessica, 16, faced competition from 50 rivals in the class, including Tina Fletcher and Michael and Ellen Whitaker.

She was one of only eight to make the jump-off, setting a fast, early clear round target which none of the others could beat.

“Without a doubt, this is Jess’s biggest win to date,” said her father and trainer, Paul.

“It was one of the biggest tracks in national competitions and knowing that we can hold our own against the very best in the country makes the future look very good.”

It has been a good month for Jessica who – in addition to taking home £9,000 in prize money from the Addington Grand Prix – has been accepted on to the World Class Development Programme 2013-15.

This is the scheme which works with talented riders to maximise their potential and deliver success on the international stage – with the Rio Olympics very much in mind.

Jessica, from Lyneham, finished her final year in pony competitions in December. Her world famous pony Tixylix has gone to a new home with Mandy Hall in Hertfordshire, whose daughter, Jodie Hall-MacAteer, will take over the ride.

“Tixy has been such a good pony for me and I hope her new rider has as much of an amazing time as I did with her,” said Jessica.

“I just hope I get a horse as good as her one day. She will be greatly missed.”

For more information on Jessica, visit website www.

jessicamendoza.co.uk.