Horse riders to honour Kirstie

Murdered Shropshire teenager Kirstie Foster is to be remembered this month at the national Riding for the Disabled Association championships.

The Kirstie Foster Trophy will be presented by members of her family at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, over the weekend of July 11 and 12, organisers revealed today.

The 15-year-old keen horse rider was killed by her father, failed businessman Chris Foster, who shot her and her mum Jill in the head before burning down their luxury Osbaston House home in Maesbrook and killing himself last August.

Family members vowed Kirstie's name would live on through her passion of horses.

Helen Holt, RDA West Mercia Region chairman, said today: "The family has chosen to support RDA, and continue Kirstie's memory, and commissioned a new trophy – the Kirstie Foster Trophy."

She said the trophy will be awarded to the winner of the junior best turned out class at the championships.

"It's the RDA national championships so riders from across the UK will be competing in two disciplines, dressage and the countryside challenge, which tests the riders skills," she said.

"I don't know how many competitors we will have.

"We have got about 500 groups throughout the UK but not every group will be represented. All the riders competing will have earned their place at regional qualifying events.

"We are delighted that out of the sadness of Kirstie's death, disabled riders are benefiting and I know presenting the trophy will mean a great deal to Kirstie's grandmother and the rest of the family."

Enid Foster, Kirstie's grandmother, said earlier this year she could not believe it when she discovered where the championships were being held, as the tragic youngster had dreamt of studying at the equestrian college.

She said: "Kirstie will be there with us in spirit."

By Suzanne Roberts