Freya Cade, 13, from Parson Drove and her show pony Sandbank Earlybird achieved their ultimate ambition at the Horse of the Year Show.

The pair had already had a fantastic season and the prestigious final held at the NEC in Birmingham was to be their last show after three years together as Freya will be too old to compete ‘Kevin’ next season.

The pair pulled off a foot perfect performance in the tense atmosphere and waited with baited breath for the results to be announced. From 24 finalists nine were called forward in reverse order to receive their prizes and Freya was elated when her number was called as the winner.

The pair stepped forward to receive their rosettes from the judges and this gave them the honour of competing in the International Arena that evening in front of a sell-out crowd to contest the Child’s Riding Pony Championship.

Freya and Kevin rose to the occasion and were chosen as reserve champions.

Freya’s mum Lorna, said: “I can’t put into words how proud I am of the pair of them. This is Freya’s dream come true and thanks must go to the Emmerson Show Team who train them and Karen Smith who bred Kevin.

“He is one in a million and we love him to bits.”

Freya was overcome with emotion and said: “Kevin is my pony of a lifetime and I will never have another one like him.”