Alyssa rides high after major win at champs

A Carterton Primary School student has won a champion's award at the Horse of the Year Show in Hastings.

Alyssa Fox, 9, won Champion First Year Ridden Pony of the Year riding her pony Fortification Scuseme.

Her mother, Jo Fox, said it was the biggest award Alyssa had won in five years of riding.

"You'd think she just won the Olympics, she was just the most happy that she's ever been."

Alyssa spent a year training for the annual event in which she came fourth in last year. Next year, the youngster will move up to a new level.

"It was a really amazing end to her time there," Ms Fox said.

Alyssa takes after her mother and grandmother who helped train her at her grandmother Barbara Bilski's Surreyholme Welsh Pony Stud in Carterton.

"She's following in my footsteps really and my mothers, we've all done it."

The family spend most weekends at shows with Alyssa picking up lots of awards.

"This one is the best of the best, you have to qualify for it," said her mum.

Ms Fox said she was extremely proud of her daughter's achievement.

"She just worked so hard, we all have. Lots of hours, lots of training after school when most kids are sitting round watching television Alyssa's out training," she said.

Alyssa wants to get into show jumping in the future and is now spending her time breaking in new ponies.

She received a garland, a trophy and prize money along with the award.