EIGHT-year-old Norton rider Ellie Cooper Balaam and her pony Thistledown Vanilla Orchid, a five-year-old section A mare, made an appearance at Ryedale Show in the mountain and moorland first ridden novice class.

This is Ellie and Vanilla’s first year off the lead rein at shows and neither Ellie nor mum, Maxine, were really optimistic of being placed at such a high profile event. But after a foot-perfect individual show from the pair, Ellie and Thistledown Vanilla Orchid were placed first in a strong line-up, much to their surprise.

This win made the pair eligible for the mountain and moorland championship. Maxine, already over the moon from seeing them win the class, was pleased for Ellie and Vanilla to go into the ring for the championship – purely to gain experience. She did not for minute think they would also win that event.

The pair managed to pull off another achievement with a stunning performance in front of the judge to take first as overall mountain and moorland champion.

A few weeks previously, at NCPA Yorkshire, Ellie and Vanilla had some good results where they won novice and open first ridden, competed in the mini champion section. They also had a try at a small breed class, which involves a gallop, which Ellie loves doing. They went on to win the class and win novice champion. To top off the day they went mountain and moorland supreme and reserve supreme of the day.

Maxine is very proud of how Ellie has made the transition from lead rein to first ridden, in what was supposed to be a practise year in preparation to go out with all guns blazing next year. It will be very exciting next year to watch the pair go from strength to strength. becauseThey are both still very young and learningtogether, and will hopefully have a few years together before Ellie outgrows Vanilla.

Ellie is not only keen on her showing, but also her dressage riding, having in the past gained successful experience in the intro test competitions. She will most likely move up to the prelim levels after gaining her confidence in cantering in the show ring off the lead rein.

Ellie and Vanilla also enjoy practising their showjumping technique at home. and will no doubt be seen on the competitive circuit shortly.

Maxine, said: “I would like to thank Scott and Claire Green, Nicky Lyons and Lesley Catling for all their amazing help and support in getting Ellie and Vanilla where they are today.”