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Sharon Hunt, who's from Saxham near Bury St. Edmunds, and her horse Tanker's Town, were only picked for the British squad at this year's World Equestrian Games after Pippa Funnell鈥檚 horse was deemed unfit to compete at the two-week championships in Aachen, Germany.

Training in Suffolk

Sharon had been aiming for a top 10 finish in her first Games, so she was pleased with 9th: "My aim was to finish in the top 10.听 I wasn't sure if it was a realistic aim, so it really was above expectations.听 It really was fantastic.

"I've definitely learnt from the experience and I've learnt from the senior members of the squad.听 Zara Philips winning the medal was brilliant and great for the sport and should encourage more media and sponsorship.听 I think it's underestimated sometimes how good we are at three-day eventing."

Zara Philips on Toy Town in Germany

Sharon had a cautious, yet unavoidable air of confidence, having finished 6th at the Badminton Horse Trials earlier this year.听

However, Sharon has not had it all her way this year, an injury at her second event of the year meant competing at Badminton was doubtful: "Unfortunately the horse left a leg and hit a fence very hard and rolled on me breaking my collar bone. I was also knocked out, which was a bit more of a problem. It was only six weeks after that I did Badminton and I was fine.鈥�

You can see why Sharon believes that this year may get even better for her. A combination of good fortune and an increase in lottery funding has meant that she's been supported every step of the way.

Last year Sharon was picked for the World Class Potential Eventing Program and says she wouldn't be at this stage without it: "It's made a massive difference. The support network I have with physios, doctors and in every aspect has helped me tremendously."

Zara Phillips wins gold

Sharon can now prepare for the European Championships next.听 Tanker's Town will be given a rest for the more low-profile events over the next few weeks while Sharon uses some of the other dozen horses at her stables.

For full results from the World Equestrian Games visit the website using the link on the right>>