Harpenden showjumper Millie Dickinson took centre stage at the British National Championships and Stoneleigh Horse Show.

The 16-year-old, riding chestnut gelding Ron Burgundy, claimed victory in the Pony Restricted Rider 1.10m.

Competitors, who had to secure four double clears to qualify to compete at the Championships, were in fantastic form resulting in 10 clear rounds and four double clears.

The tough course designed by Steve Williams tested the strength and agility of the ponies and showed off some excellent young talents.

The spectators in the Andrews Bowen Indoor Arena were thrilled with the high level of competition for the title. The enormity of the stakes challenged some riders more than others with a number of combinations faltering in the jump off after an initial clear round.

Dickinson, who has already qualified for Horse of the Year Show, said she was ‘very happy’ with the result as the combination has a tendency to come in second at competitions.

“He always tries his hardest and he always jumps his heart out for me,” she said.

Chloe Gunning, 15, from Stevenage, riding Leanne Brown’s eight year-old grey mare Katies Grey, also put in a great performance to secure second place with a time of 39.27 seconds, 4.24 seconds behind Dickinson.