Gloucestershire's Bechtolsheimer has international experience

Gloucestershire-based rider Laura Bechtolsheimer has been selected to represent Great Britain in dressage at the Beijing Olympics.

The 23-year-old, who was born in Germany, is based at Ampney St Peter, near Cirencester.

Bechtolsheimer, who will ride her own horse Mistral Horjis in China, said: "It's very exciting, our season has been focused on selection."

"To have the selection confirmed still feels surreal, it hasn't sunk in."

She added: "Mistral Hojris is very special and I feel privileged to have a horse like him to take to my first Olympics.

"We have come a long way together and I feel confident that he will give it everything."

Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Horjis represented Great Britain at the World Equestrian Games in 2006 and the 2007 European Championships.