Thalia shows style for POYS title

The event, held at Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Slapton, Buckinghamshire, over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, saw pony riders from the length and breadth of the country gather for four days of action.

This year the show carried a Jungle Book theme, with monkeys and gorillas amongst the animals to become part of the wings and fences for a jungle feel.

But in wet conditions the nine-year-old, from Skegness, made her winning debut at the Pony of the Year Show, taking the top spot in the 10 year-old Style and Performance Final on board Another Victory, a 20-year-old grey gelding owned by Michelle Jessop.

“He’s very sweet, a superstar,” said Thalia.

“Its’ my first big win, I only came to watch here last year.”

Judge Lynne Bevan added: “It was very close, only half a point in it, but Thalia rode the corner to the last fence correctly and it gave her the edge.”