A RIDER from Crundale recently took major prizes at national horse riding competition Horse of the Year Show.

Held at the NEC in Birmingham, there was Pembrokeshire success in the form of Olivia Bowen who brought back to the county multiple awards.

As trainer, known as 'producers', Olivia, of New Bridge farm in Crundale, won 143cm show Hunter pony with 10-year-old Wycroft Beethoven owned by Tracy Morgan Thomas of Neath and ridden by daughter Pheobe Thomas, which went on to take the champion of that section.

Olivia also won the 153cm show Hunter pony with nine-year-old Carnesdale Toy Boy, owned by Nicola Body from Kent and ridden by daughter Crystal Body. They also went on to take champion and reserve of the same section.

Olivia, of New Bridge farm in Crundale, then came joint third on her own riding ten-year-old Rhyllandell Emperor in the 153cm intermediate show riding type.

At 21 Olivia was one of the youngest producers at the event. Along with training horses for a living she is also a full time dog groomer.

There's pedigree in Olivia's family with uncle Peter Bowen a well known equestrian, while mother Rosanna said there are currently two very proud parents in Pembrokeshire.

"She’s probably the youngest producer to achieve what she did and we backed her all the way."