A PONY found tied to a fence at sales in Ireland has thrilled his North Yorkshire owner by winning a top prize at the Horse of the Year Show.

Monivae Magic Rainbow, bought from Ballinasloe Sales by Philippa Porley, won the native/cob/traditional final for ponies under 14.2hh.

Ridden at Birmingham by 12-year-old Jessica Lewis from Leicestershire, Magic qualified at the National Pony Society Championship Show at Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

The coloured pony has also won at the Royal International Horse Show, Ponies UK Summer Show, the NPS Championship Show and the British Show Pony Society Championship Show.

Due to his outstanding success, Magic will now be retired from ridden coloured classes, but may still compete as a lead rein pony.