AMY James has sensationally won the Cuddy Working Hunter of the Year title on Columbus Nimbus at the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham.

Horse of the Year Show, The Worlds Most Famous Horse Show is widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the equestrian world - an event to which all owners and riders aspire.

Both rider and horse are based at Mallards Reach Equestrian Centre, Camrose, just outside Haverfordwest.

"I'm ecstatic!" said Amy, who was also celebrating a first win at HOYS on her own horse. "He was a bit panicky warming up, but once he started the course he was just fantastic."

The spectacular Working Hunter course included uprights, spreads and even a couple of wooden ducks.

It was a challenging ride for many with the last fence consisting of a very narrow style cleverly tucked behind bushes.

Amy's Columbo Nimbus, known as Cloudy took the course on in style to claim the overall Championship title and was the only clear round from 38 starters, and also paraded beautifully in show ring. She bought the Chestnut gelding, who is by Quattro B, from Debbie Thomas just one week before the event, which made the win all the more special.

On Face book Amy wrote: "Thank you very much everybody for your amazing support. It means a lot to me. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have such an amazing horse. Cloudy James a superstar!"

Mallards Reach pupil Sarah Duffy riding Romeo also did fantastic to finish second in the Caldene Arena, jumping one of two clear rounds in the 14hh Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Pony of the Year category.