FOR little Charlotte McDowall of High Leadon, Newent, clinching the supreme championship at the British Pony Horse Club Show Wales was, quite literally, a dream come true – she had to be woken up to join the class.

Charlotte, aged six, who was with her parents Nick and Sue McDowall at the British Show Pony Show (BSPS) Championship Show Wales, in Builth Wells earlier this month, won the top class on her pony, seven-year-old Welsh part bred Treowen Black Orchard (Ettie).

The 11.2 pony was up against nearly 600 ponies and horses with entries from breeders and professionals.

According to BSPS Wales chairman, Janet Rollands, Ettie was also one of the first home-produced ponies to win the class for a long time.

As mum Sue prepares Charlotte for the much anticipated show, due to take place in October, the win is a great reward for all the effort the pair has put in since buying Ettie three years ago.

It has been hard work but I was just amazed that we got as far as we did,” said Sue.

“It was enough just to win our class and it’s great for ordinary people who are doing this as a hobby and who are up against top breeders.

“It’s all your dreams coming together on one day,”