LIFE’S circumstances paves the path of our futures and the people we become.

Sadly for some people those circumstances are not always the best, particularly for young children who may find themselves, for whatever reason, in care, foster homes or up for adoption. Sometimes a friendly face or an animal can find a little spark of hope in that child’s heart.

This was certainly the case for Britany Wheldon, from Yedingham and a pupil at Norton College, who was a very nervous and shy eight-year-old girl when the Wheldon family adopted her.

Adopted mum Angela said: “Britany was very frightened of any form of new challenge due to her past, yet upon meeting Angela’s old horse, she felt an instant bond.”

When Britany was asked if she would like to have a sit on a friend’s pony, her response was an immediate “yes please” with a huge smile. Britany then started riding lessons at Snainton Riding Centre, where she blossomed, gaining an inner confidence along the way.

When Britany reached her ninth birthday, her mum and dad asked her if she wanted to have a pony of her own. She was so excited.

So along came Sammy, a chestnut 11.2hh Welsh pony, which had been outgrown by her cousin. Sammy became Britany’s first true friend as she struggled to trust people and life in general.

Within that first year of becoming part of the Wheldon family, Britany’s life was turned around. Sammy and Britany eventually joined the Derwent pony club where they made a strong team, winning ribbons and passing badges. The pair became well known around the showjumping circuit and agricultural shows, making many friends along the way.

While at Danby Show the next chapter began. Angela and Britany were approached regarding a 13.2 pony called Tally, who had been outgrown by his owner. Tally took Britany to the next level, being placed at the David Broome championships, competing at Pony Club area 3 eventing and showjumping with the Sinnington hunt pony club and riding for her school.

While at an evening pony club rally the DC asked if they might be interested in getting a horse fit for hunting for the Easterby family. For Angela, this was a great opportunity as she had lost her own horse at the age of 28, which was the instigator of Britany’s new-found passion. Angela and Britany went to meet the Easterbys and Sunny Delight, a piebald 16 hand hunter.

Climbing on for the first time in a long time, Angela said she felt very rusty as she had been without a ride for some time.

Britany got on and looked like a pea on a drum, but quite at home. Sunny moved in with the Wheldons and poor Angela didn’t get much of a look-in as Britany clambered up whenever she could to get on. Britany started going to pony club on him, then qualified for the NSEA school showjumping and was selected to represent the Sinnington hunt pony club at area 3 eventing and showjumping.

The family contacted the Easterbys to inform them that she had qualified on Sunny for her school and when would they need him back for hunting as he initially only went to them to get fit. Britany could not believe her luck when the Easterby family said they could keep him if they liked – she burst in to tears of joy.

Sunny Delight and Britany qualified for last weekend’s young talented rider competition at Countryside Live at Harrogate Showground where she was selected from hundreds of entries by the Fletcher family and will be showing off their showjumping and showing skills to the crowds.

For Britany life has become a fairy tale and a dream come true, and proof that our four-legged equine friends can help those who have a less fortunate start in life.