Young star Imogen's a real Hot Prospect

Imogen, 13, finished third in the 138cm class at SouthView Pony Premier Show at South View Equestrian Centre in Cheshire.

The top three finish was enough to qualify her for the prestigious event at the NEC in Birmingham later this year.

And the Moreton Hall student faces an exciting few months with a number of high-calibre competitions on the horizon.

Imogen's mum, Vanessa and dad, Nigel, a former international rider, own a stud yard at their base of Habberley, just outside of Shrewsbury.

Vanessa said: "She was riding an amazing pony called Hot Prospect and cleared 1.15m in her first round, followed by 1.20m and in her final round she cleared 1.30m.

"It is a very difficult one to qualify for. Only the top three progress to the Horse of the Year so that is a great achievement.

"She's having a great season. She has already qualified for Hickstead at the end of July. To qualify for the Horse of the Year is a big thing for someone Imogen's age. She really did a great job.

"We're chuffed to bits for her. She has been riding since she was tiny. If showjumping is what she wants to look to when she's older then we will support her every step of the way."

And the Shropshire star believes her form is continuing to grow.

Imogen said: "I was really happy when I managed to come third and qualify for the Horse of the year show. It was an amazing experience to do well with Hot Prospect because she is one of my favourite ponies."

She also commented on the success she's had this year.

"I've been getting really good results this year, they have been a lot better than last year. I've also qualified for Hickstead, which was another great day".

The Oswestry student noted that not all of her peers quite understood her achievements.

"I tell some of my friends at school about it but some of them don't really understand showjumping. It's something I'd quite like to do when I am older – but I'm not really sure yet.