New Kidd in England team

In the modelling world she is a skittish thoroughbred beauty. But on the polo field Jodie Kidd is firmly in control of the reins.

The 24-year-old model is about to swop the catwalks for another international stage, representing England in the Polo Women's World Championships.

She has been playing polo for only five years. But as the daughter of top player Johnny Kidd, she feels perfectly at home in the saddle.

Miss Kidd joins a four-player team at the tournament in Ascot, Berkshire, in July. 'It's a tremendous honour,' she said. 'I'll be practising like mad to make sure I'm at the top of my game.'

Miss Kidd took solace in her riding after becoming upset at the criticism of her gaunt frame when she was modelling.

Her aristocratic beauty attracted the attention of modelling scouts at
16. She later won a multi-million pound deal to become the face of Chanel.

Polo, however, has become her real passion after she was introduced to the sport by her boyfriend Tarquin Southwell.