A TOP North East businessman is starting to make a name for himself in the eventing world after taking up the discipline just a year ago in his 40s.

Stephen Rankin, who runs Killingworth-based construction company Metnor, decided to have a crack at eventing after spectating at the 2010 Hexham Horse Trials.

Since then, he and his 16.3hh gelding Tomorrow’s Dream have returned to Hexham to compete, and he has also ridden at BE90 level at Bishop Burton, Richmond, Northallerton and Eden Valley.

Rankin, 47, was third in one of his first events last October at Askham Bryan.

He is now moving up to BE100 level in time for next month’s Burgham Horse Trials near Morpeth.

He said: “Eventers from this region have always had to travel as far as Skipton, Bishop Burton and the Midlands.

“Now, with Hexham and Burgham on the calendar, you get quite a nice variety of courses which means you can just about event every weekend through June, July and August in an 80- mile radius.

“With the extra pre-Badminton advanced qualifying event at Burgham next year, youngsters coming through will be able to see the best riders competing here in the North East.

“That will also attract a lot of visitors to the region.”

Burgham Horse Trials Director Semore Kurdi said: “We have received a lot of support and feedback from both the equestrian and business communities for what we are trying to achieve at Burgham.

“With just a month to go we are looking forward to putting on a great event.”