SISTERS Jessica and Emily Hawkins, from Hollybush, went for gold at The Three Counties Show, both qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show.

Jessica, eight, who despite her tender age has already been interviewed for Horse and Hound magazine, was the youngest rider in the Show Hunter Pony class.

She won with her pony, Rodham Sir Thomas, also going on to clinch reserve in the Champion Show Hunter Pony category.

Sister Emily, six, was also the youngest competitor in her class, First Ridden Pony, ridden off the leading rein, where she put in a good qualifying show on Bureside Quake.

The girls, who both go to Castlemorton CE Primary School, practice every day after school and sometimes even ride to school.

Mum Janet said: "They really love it and they've made a lot of friends through riding.

"There's so many people trying for so few places so they're really pleased to qualify."

The girls have also qualified for eight classes between them at the Royal International Show at Hickstead in July.

"To qualify for eight classes is quite unheard of," said Mrs Hawkins. "Most people only qualify for one so they have done really well."