CHESHIRE-BASED Zara Brookes and her horse Merrycorner Mister Bui took home their second Leeman Family Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship in as many years at Hickstead's Longines International Arena.

The pair impressed the crowd with their fast, forward gallop at the event in West Sussex. Zara called the victory a "dream come true."

"It's just amazing to even go back in there, let alone win it two years on the run," she said.

"It's not easy when you've done it last year and then you come and there's a bit of hope - but once you've got in the ring it's alright.

"When the crowd is cheering you on for the gallop you just think, 'let's go!' There's no feeling like it; you just torn off that corner and fly."

Merrycorner Mister Bui is still a reasonably new ride for the 18-year-old, who bought him nearly two years ago.

"He’s called Buttons at home, and we bought him as a COVID present. COVID was a blessing in disguise, actually, because it really gave me time to get with him without the pressure of trying to qualify to come here.

"It also gave me time to build my strength, because he’s very powerful. So we learned what we’re good at and what we can use to our advantage."

Zara has now qualified for the Supreme Products Supreme Pony Championship, which takes place on the final day of the show.

Tickets for the Longines Royal International Horse Show (27-31 July) are on sale now from www.hickstead.co.uk. The action will be shown live on Sky Sports from Friday to Sunday, alongside extensive livestreaming throughout the show.