Talented young rider Flora Hayes has brought a haul of prizes back home to Ely.

Nine-year-old Flora, a pupil at King’s Ely Junior, was victorious at the British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) Suffolk Area Points Party.

She not only won two awards in recognition of her accumulated scores at BSPS affiliated shows across the country last season but she also scooped two silver salvers.

Flora won the area open section of the Hunter Pony Lead Rein Class with her pony, Thistledown Royal Lustre, and with Manorlea Marcus she was awarded Best First Ridden Pony of Hunter Type.

Flora, who lives with her family in Little Downham, was also runner-up twice with Lustre in the novice section and Litton Dancing Diva in the Open Show Pony First Ridden section.

Flora has been riding since the age of three and is a member of Littleport Pony Club. Two highlights of her showing calendar each year are the Royal International Horse Show, held at Hickstead in July, and Horse of the Year Show, held at the Birmingham NEC in October.

Rider and pony combinations must win their respective qualifying classes to be able to compete. Flora campaigned two ponies for both of last year’s shows and was successful in qualifying both horses.

With Litton Dancing Diva, she came fourth at the Royal International Show and tenth overall at Horse of the Year Show. Flora also came second in the Mare Class at the Suffolk County Show with her Shetland pony, Eliza. With Thistledown Royal Lustre, Flora won the Hunter Pony Class at the Suffolk County Show and she came third at the Windsor Royal Horse Show. She was also placed ninth overall at Horse of the Year Show.

Head of King’s Ely Junior, Richard Whymark, said: “Flora’s successful equestrian partnerships are a regular cause for celebration at school. We are fortunate to be able to share in the delight Flora’s passion for riding brings her during our assemblies.”