YOUNG Cody Douglas certainly got in the spirit of competing after success at the prestigious SEIB Trailblazers National Championships at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

The six-year-old from Lango fought off stiff competition from other riders from across the country to take the lead rein championship riding his mother Liane Douglas’ pony, Spirit, to victory.

The SEIB Trailblazers Championships is an equestrian extravaganza, the culmination of the hard work put in by every amateur rider who has qualified through the two rounds of qualification competitions at over 65 venues throughout the UK.

It was the first time Cody has been to such a prestigious show and the Douglas family were delighted with the win.

Liane said: “This is the fourth time that Spirit has won the lead rein championship at Trailblazers.

“Cody’s sister, seven-year-old Brooke, has ridden him on the other occasions.

“Spirit was originally a rescue pony from the Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary in Oswaldtwistle.”

Brooke took the runner-up spot in the First Ridden Championship at Trailblazers with her pony, Moortown Pedlar.

The brother and sister both attend the St Leonards Primary School in Langho.

“We come every year to Trailblazers and have a wonderful time,” said Liane. “We bring a tent and absolutely love it. Brooke and Cody are very keen to qualify to come back again next year.”

To find out more about the range of classes available and qualifying dates and venues please visit, www.trailblazerschampionships.com.