TEENAGER Cheryl King is riding high after clinching her place at the world-famous Horse of the Year Show.

The 18-year-old equestrian ace from Haydock booked her place at the prestigious event, to be held at Birmingham's NEC arena in October, after taking first place in the small riding horse class category at the Red Rose County Show at Witton Park, near Blackburn.

Cheryl and her horse, Hoofield Delpht Lady, impressed the judges with a routine including a walk, trot, canter and gallop.

This was followed by a Confirmation in Hand which required Cheryl to walk away from the judges with her horse and then trot back alongside while holding on to the reins.

Cheryl has been riding since the age of 12 and has worked with Hoofield Delpht Lady for two years. But she admits it is only in the last year that the partnership has really blossomed - thanks in no small way to help received from experienced horse riders, Cathy and Brian Stevens.

Cheryl, told the Star: "I only recently started doing shows at county level but to appear at the Horse of the Year Show has always been my ambition and now I can fulfil my dream".

She also paid tribute to her parents, mum Gill (37) and dad John (38).

"Mum, who was a groom at the Red Rose County Show, and dad, who will be sponsoring me for the show in Birmingham, have been so supportive and I can't thank them enough."