NINE-YEAR-OLD Alice McCullagh of Saltburn and her beloved ponies have qualified for next month's Horse of the Year Show at Wembley.

Alice and Little Storm, a 133cm working hunter pony and Starlyte Orinocho, a 122cm show hunter pony will be making their debut at the prestigious event.

She and Little Storm qualified at the British Show Pony Championships at Peterborough and Starlyte Orinocho and his accomplished rider qualified nearer to home at the Hambleton District Show at Kirkleatham, Redcar.

To qualify, the Yarm School pupil had to beat off strong competition from more experienced and older riders

Her parents, Clare and John McCullough were unsurprised.

Mrs McCullagh said: " When she wants to do something she has steely determination. To get to Wembley she has had to fend off competition from youngsters five years older than her, but that did not put her off for one moment.

"Having qualified is a major boost, but we now have to ensure our feet stay firmly on the ground and focus on putting in the high standard of performance that will be required to succeed at Wembley - the country's premier event, which takes place on October 6 and 7."