TWO horse-riding sisters new to competition have been selected to represent the South West in this weekend’s inter-regional endurance championships at Cirencester Park.

Liz Madell, from Bickington, and Naomi Jefferies, from Heathfield, are part of the dozen-strong team going for broke in the event’s 32km slog on Sunday.

Both para-endurance riders, in their first year in the competitive sport, have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which affects their joints.

They use Ashburton as a base for their horses, one of which they bred themselves.

Liz, who rides the homespun 17-year-old Anglo Arab called Twosox, said: ‘Endurance is such an inclusive and friendly sport with everyone genuinely wanting everyone to do the best they can. It’s like a huge family.’

She added: ‘We are so excited and proud to be representing our area group – Endurance GB Southwest. Fingers crossed it all goes well.’

The pair ride for Team Las Lunas Endurance with Naomi on seven-year-old Arab La Lunas Hermosa, also known as Beauty.