A NINE-YEAR-OLD from West Walton has qualified to compete at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Amelia Newby rode Whitsand Warrior, a former HOYS winner, fantastically despite the pony’s age and was ecstatic with her achievements at the Royal Norfolk event.

She said: “I just kept hoping they would call my number out first.

“All the wishing paid off when the loudspeaker made the announcement and I could hear Mummy’s screams across the showground. We are so excited!”

The youngster now heads off to the UK’s biggest indoor equestrian event on October 6 for the four-day show. The nine-year-old joins coveted finalists at the NEC in Birmingham for the pinnacle of the domestic equestrian calendar.