WINNING the Sir Mark Todd 'Bridging the Gap' scholarship was Franky Reid-Warrilow.

The up and coming young event rider has faced several low points this season was the deserved winner of the 'Mark Todd Bridging the Gap' (MTBTG) scholarship selection day on Monday, sponsored by Keyflow Feeds and the Mark Todd Collection.

Powys based Franky (24) was chosen as the inaugural MTBTG Scholar by the judging panel of Sir Mark Todd and British Eventing accredited coaches Lizzel Winter and Gill Watson.

A former working pupil of Henrietta Knight and Cirencester University graduate, Franky suffered a serious leg fracture whilst cross country schooling at home earlier in the summer. This accident seemed to trigger a trail of unfortunate career set-backs for Franky including the relocation of most of her privately owned horses as well as a minor injuries to her Waregem and European CIC2* championship-bound rides.

Determined to succeed, Franky has now moved home to her family's farm on the Herefordshire-Wales border and has started up her business again so this additional support has been a timely boost:

"I was completely surprised when they said I had won the scholarship although I think I know how they feel on X-factor now, the anticipation I felt when I was waiting for their decision to be made was so intense!," said Franky.

"The season really didn't end very well for me so this has been a fantastic boost for me, I genuinely now cannot wait to get training over the winter and start the season on a high."

Six finalists went forward for the final selection day and all had an anxious wait while the judges deliberated over their decision. Sir Mark said afterwards: "It was extremely difficult to choose an overall winner from these very dedicated and talented riders but ultimately it was a unanimous decision and we look forward to working with Franky next year."

Franky now heads into 2014 with a substantial support package from Sir Mark Todd and his brands which includes training and mentoring from the great man himself, plus goods from the Mark Todd Collection and Keyflow Feeds.

The runner-up was Loretta Joynson who is 26 and from Camarthenshire. Lorretta wins a Mark Todd Performance Bridle and £250 of Keyflow Feed. All finalists received a Mark Todd jacket, saddlepad and rug and a bag of Keyflow Feed.