The youngsters, of Low Whinns Farm, Tranmire, near Ugthorpe, are competing at Aintree in the prestigious national final of The Oliver Townend Eventers Challenge.

The event combines two of the riding disciplines – cross country fences and show jumping.

In the regional competition at Richmond Equestrian Centre last month, both achieved faultless clear rounds in their first experience of this type of competition against classes of 40 riders.

Whitby Community College pupils Tom (14) rode an accurate and controlled round on Red Dancer to come fourth in the under 15 class, knocking himself off the leaderboard on his second pony, Snap, in the process.

And Katie (13), of Eskdale School, was riding Midnight, a pony she has on loan, in the competition.

She rode a very fast round, missing out on first place by a fraction of a second to claim second in the under 13 class.

The first four riders of each class qualified to compete against winners of the other nine regional competitions in this weekend’s final.

Both youngsters have lessons with international event rider Paddy Muir at Grinkle.

And they have just started training at the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) Junior Academy at Stainsby Grange in Thornaby.

Both are also regular competitors at the district’s agricultural shows where Tom won two showjumping classes and the best local rider trophy at this year’s Egton Show.

l To see them both in action log on to: http://www.countrychannel.tv/countrychanneltv.