A COUNTY Durham breeder has covered herself in glory by getting top points for her skewbald at last week's Horse of the Year Show.

It was a dream come true for Clare Martin to even get to the show where Merrigan, her 16.1hh coloured horse, was ridden by Simon Charlesworth of Great Ayton.

They came second in the skewbald and piebald horse class, although they actually tied with the winner in terms of marks.

Mrs Martin said: "There is a ride and a conformation judge and the winner and Merrigan each scored 85 out of a possible 100 marks.

"We got 42 for riding and 43 for conformation and I am not exactly sure how the final decision was made. There was a big gap between us and the third place.

"Simon had the horse for three weeks prior to the show and rode superbly. It really was a case of poetry in motion. He was outstanding and so was the horse."

The same partnership won their championship section at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in August.

Last week's success has set the seal on a remarkable year for the Martins.

"Every time we say, well we can't do anything better. And every time we do. We will just have to keep our standards up for next year."

Mrs Martin said she is hoping to breed from eight-year-old Merrigan's sister, Gemma. She is only four and the intention is to bring out her potential as well