Rashcrook Equestrian youngster and Elgin High School pupil Annabel Thomson (11) qualifies for Horse of the Year Show with her pony Blackertor Burlington Bertie
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It's every pony rider's dream to trot out at the Horse of the Year Show one day - and the dream came true for one Moray youngster.
Elgin High pupil Annabel Thomson (11) achieved the holy grail of the equestrian world when she earned her place at next week's prestigious event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Trained by her dad Les at Rashcrook Equestrian, near Elgin, the former New Elgin Primary youngster produced an excellent performance on her prized Welsh Section A pony, Blackertor Burlington Bertie.
There is only one Horse of the Year qualifier staged in Scotland at the Royal Highland Show, which Annabel competed in for the very first time last year and gained a very respectable fifth place.
This year the Moray youngster's determination to compete at the highest level took her further afield as she ventured south of the border to try and qualify for the Birmingham show.
Accompanied by her mum Karen and friend and groom Sherlene Murray, they made their way to the Horse of the Year qualifier at the Royal Cheshire showground.
Annabel's mother explained: "The course was bold and strong, Annabel and Bertie were last to go and produced a lovely clear round which was only the second clear of the day.
"They then performed a show for the judge, and the pony was also judged on his conformation."
The moment of joy arrived when the qualifiers for Birmingham were announced.
“When Annabel’s and Bertie’s names were called out, it was an absolute dream come true.
"I couldn’t believe it, everyone dreams of taking their horse or pony to Horse of the Year. Winning the class and gaining the golden ticket was just the best feeling in the world.
"I just wish her dad had been there to see it too but he had to stay at home to take care of the yard."
Annabel, who is also a member of the Moray and Nairn Pony club, will compete in the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd. Mountain & Moorland 122cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year category at the Horse of the Year next week.
