WIGGATON event rider Aaron Millar had the 'ride of a lifetime' when he made his debut in the Badmington Horse Trials last week.

WIGGATON event rider Aaron Millar had the "ride of a lifetime" when he made his debut in the Badmington Horse Trials last week.

Up and coming Aaron, 22, and his 15-year-old Quicksilver Bay gelding Stormstay were the talk of the Badminton village when a loose dog ran onto the track and chased them through the famous Gloucestershire venue's Farmyard complex.

Cool-headed Aaron, whose exploits bagged him a spot on the BBC's highlights programme, finished in 43rd place- the second best performance by a first-timer.

He said: "Amazingly the dog didn't phase him (Stormstay) at all.

"He was so focused and stayed on every line. It was an out of this world - the ride of a lifetime. I'll never forget it, I'm over the moon."

On completing, Aaron was congratulated by riders and trainers including William Fox-Pitt, Lucinda Green and Yogi Breisner.

He said: "Despite me feeling sick with nerves before the start I knew Stormstay is so genuine he and was on for a good run. He's done so much for me, he will never be sold."

Aaron will now save his stable star for the big events, aiming him at Burghley in September. He is looking for another four-star horse to ride alongside Stormstay and be contacted on 07749 964290.