Having brought Cappuccino over from Ireland 18 months ago, local rider, Kay Sinclair-James (pictured), of North Johnston Farm, Johnston, has taken the show cob world by storm.

With 16 championships under her belt, Kay decided it was time to venture further afield. Aiming high, Horse of the Year Show at the NEC, Birmingham was the goal - and with only one chance to qualify - six-year-old Cappuccino performed her best and duly qualified at her very first attempt at Hand EC in Somerset.

Following on from this success, Kay and Cappuccino took the Supreme Championship at the Pembrokeshire County Show (judged by legendary racehorse trainer, Jenny Pitman), and then ventured down to Buckinghamshire to the British Show Hack, Cob and Riding Horse Association - National Championship Show, where they gained a first in the Restricted Heavyweight Cob - a competition open to and attended by horses from all over the UK.

Finally, last week was the Horse of the Year Show 2004.

Once again Cappuccino produced the goods and was awarded second place in the Search for a Star Cob of the Year event at this prestigious venue.

Many people dream of competing at the Horse of the Year Show - but for Kay and husband, Chris, on their very first visit, this proved to be a magical dream come true.

An ecstatic Kay told Telegraph Sport: "Cappu is a horse of a lifetime - she has achieved so much and is still only a young mare. We are taking a break from showing over the winter to do some hunter trials and dressage competitions - and then onto preparations for next year's campaign."

Kay added that none of this would have been possible without the help and support of her family and close friends, Stewart and Pat Jones, of Llanstadwell.