A FENLAND schoolgirl is celebrating after riding her way to a shock victory at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.

Rosie Manning, from Wisbech, triumphed in the 153cm Working Hunter Pony class after producing a stunning ride on her 15-year-old bay Irish Sports Horse, Kilkenny Kid.

The 17-year-old took the prestigious title after jumping a clear round on the horse which she’s nicknamed ‘Junior’ because “he should have grown bigger to be an eventer”.

Proud mum Liz said: “She qualified at Letchworth in tough company early in May so it was good as it fits in with Rosie studying for her AS levels.

“The course at Hickstead was particularly tricky and out of 30 entries only four jumped clear.

“We knew she had probably come fourth and we were so thrilled about that, but when the judge started calling in the places in reverse order it got unbelievably exciting.

“We didn’t think she could beat the other three as one was last year’s winner, one was the Scottish champion and the other won at HOYS.”

Rosie returned to Hickstead this week to compete for Spalding High School in the National Schools Showjumping event. She also rides as a member of Fitzwilliam Pony Club and is studying for four A-levels.