A Cornish equine apprentice is celebrating winning one of the top horse riding events in the country.

The Horse of the Year Show is held at Birmingham’s NEC every October and is the finale to the showing year. 

Duchy College apprentice Tierney McKinnon rode Dawn Weston’s grey gelding Kativa Dumbledore, winning the 153cm section, followed by The Binks Family Show Hunter Pony of the Year Championship.

Tierney has ridden Kativa Dumbledore, or Andy as he is more affectionately known, since he arrived at her father Brett McKinnon’s showing yard in Saltash, four years ago.

Tierney said: ‘’Andy performs amazingly every time out, he always tries his hardest. He’s such a gent in the stable too. I’m very grateful to his owner Dawn for all the support and making it happen. Winning at the Horse of the Year Show is something I’ve always wanted to do, and it was the best feeling ever!’