MALTON-based international dressage rider and trainer Mary Pritchard, from Low Hutton, has just secured a sponsorship deal with local business, Malton Equine Laundry.

Soulla Clarkson, of Malton Equine Laundry, said: “We are delighted to be working with Mary, she has been a good customer for many years and is extremely talented.”

Mary is having a fantastic start to the 2015 competition season, after winning her first Grand Prix at Keysoe with 65 per cent on her stallion Unison R. Mary said: “The win was unexpected, but really nice.”

Mary and Unison R have already represented Great Britain at small tour level and Mary is now aiming for big tour. She also has high hopes for two of her other dressage horses, both working at Prix St George level at present, and currently being prepared for international competition. She is also excited to have some promising up-and-coming youngsters sired by the talented Unison R.

Malton Equine Laundry has also announced two other riders to receive sponsorship from the company, both from the field of British eventing.

First is Jess Johnson, from Terrington. Jess has just returned from the British Riding Club Dressage National Championships at Hartpury representing Malton riding club where she finished individual fifth and is now preparing for the forthcoming event season.

Stillingfleet-based Sarah Dale, who has previously worked for international event riders Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks.

Sarah now trains with Mary Pritchard and competes up to intermediate level British Eventing, is also having a good start to the year, with top 10 placings in both of her events so far.