A Harpenden teenager now has something in common with many famous, successful showjumpers, including equestrian star Scott Brash.

Millie Dickinson recently became the Squibb Group National Pony Foxhunter champion on her pony Claddagh Prince when she won the final by just two-hundredths of a second in an exciting 16-pony jump-off.

A Year 12 pupil at St George’s, the 16-year-old now holds the Foxhunter trophy, which has previously been won by the likes of equestrian legends from the Whitaker family and Scott Brash, a world top ranking showjumper.

She is also celebrating a successful debut at this year’s Horse of the Year Show, after being placed third in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomer Championship on her other pony, Ron Burgundy.

Millie said that the latter pony, which she has ridden since a novice, has become “more and more consistent at shows. He is very relaxed.

“While Claddagh Prince usually gets more uptight about things, he seemed to keep his cool on the day. I don’t get very nervous at the events, because I try to stay calm and focussed.”

The teen put hours of practice into training ahead of the recent competitions.

She said: “I was brought up with horses; I have never known life without them.”

However Millie has now reached an age where she will no longer be able to ride her Irish ponies in such contests, as she will be competing against more senior riders from January next year.

And her future goal? To eventually represent Great Britain in equestrian events.