Amber turns gold after proving she can go the distance in India

But not for Hessle teenager Amber Sole, who proved she can certainly go the distance in India.

Sole, 17, has recently returned from taking part in the International Endurance Championship at Dibrugharh, featuring a 60km Eastern Himalayan endurance ride in Dilbrugarh, Assam.

The Bishop Burton College star received the invitation to take part in the event back in November from the Equestrian Federation of Assam with Sole eligible to take part through her membership of Endurance Great Britain.

Endurance and perseverance was needed in abundance with the event set into three 20km loops around a tea plantation with a vetting between each loop.

And while Sole and her mount Aurum agonising had to retire two kilometres from the finish, all was not lost with the teenager still leaving with a gold medal.

As well as featuring an individual competition, the challenge also featured a team event with Sole being paired with a number of other riders from Switzerland and South Africa.

Their efforts helped Sole’s team win gold and already the East Yorkshire youngster cannot wait for her next endurance challenge.

The Level 3 Horse Management student hopes to qualify for a place on the British under-21s Young Rider team in 2014 with her top horse, Basford Showman.

And to dedicated Sole there is no show quite like a 60km endurance ride.

“I really enjoyed the ride as it was something different,” said Sole, the only representative of Endurance GB in India.

“My favourite part had to be meeting all the people from the other countries and working as part of a team.

“Everyone was very approachable and welcoming – I’ve made many new friends.

“It was great to meet the other riders and learn how endurance is done differently in other countries.

“We’re all still in touch and are planning a trip to meet up when we’ll ride and share our horses!”

Basford Showman is Sole’s prized equine asset but on her Indian adventure the 17-year-old’s partner was a thoroughbred borrowed from the Indian army.

But Sole’s care for horses was as evident as ever two kilometres from the end of the partnership’s final loop.

“I wondered if Aurum had become lame on his left fore so I slowed down as I didn’t want to hurt him,” revealed Sole, whose specialist form of riding can feature challenges ranging from 16km pleasure rides to 160km endurance rides.

“As I came over the finish line, I got off and he seemed a bit sore.

“The vets confirmed this and Aurum failed the final vetting, so we were eliminated which was a shame.

“When setting off I felt slightly nervous and apprehensive as I was riding a different horse to one of my own that I am used to.

“We were riding through tea plantations and it was very hot, flat and dusty but the terrain was flatter than I expected.

“The route was well marked out and was set out with flags and many checkpoints which was reassuring.

“The second loop went well and I made up time with my speed increasing from 15km per hour on average on the first loop to 16.5km per hour on the second one.”

The third and final part of the assignment would ultimately see the duo come up short, but a happy conclusion came in the form of Sole’s gold medal.

The winners of the team event were decided by adding up the fastest times from the members of each team.

And Sole also gained valuable experience in India with her quest to join the British under-21s Young Rider team in 2014.

Riders under the age of 21 who are members of Endurance GB and who have completed a minimum of two rides of 120k at National level are eligible for the Endurance GB Young Rider Squad.

Those that qualify may be selected for further training and to compete as a member of the British Young Rider Endurance Team.

That remains Sole’s goal but with a gold medal safely stored back home, the Yorkshire star is now back to her studies a Bishop Burton College.

Already the teenager is relishing the prospect of attempting something similar.

“If given the chance I would love to do it again,” said Sole.

“It was a really good experience and also allowed me to go and see a part of the world at the same time as I have never really travelled before.”

Further information about Endurance riding can be found at www.endurancegb.co.uk