Ottilie was riding high at London Horse Show

A LOCHMABEN girl ended the year on a high by becoming a finalist at the London International Horse Show.

Eight-year-old Ottilie Stewart, from Carse Of Ae Farm, competed at the prestigious event with her Standard Shetland pony, Dryfesdale Diamond Surprise, aged seven, known as Surprise at home.

She was a Christmas present two years ago, purchased directly from breeder Eileen Carlisle at Johnstonebridge. The pair competed in British Show Pony Society qualifiers earlier in the year and qualified for the BSPS LR Working Sports Pony Championship at the Excel in London.

Over 5000 horses and ponies attempt to qualify each year.

On the day, Ottilie was led by close family friend Alice Greenwood-Booth, who had only given birth to her first child three weeks earlier.

They were delighted to be placed fifth at the final from a field of 23 ponies.

Ottilie’s proud mum Christine said: “The atmosphere at the show was truly magical, from seeing Santa and his elves walking around to watching some of the best show jumpers in the world compete in the World Cup.

“It made Christmas extra special for us this year and Ottilie felt so blessed to have had the experience.”