A 14-YEAR-OLD girl took first place on her debut appearance in one of the world’s top equestrian championships.

Morgan Ross-Sarwar took the top spot at the Longines Royal International Horse Show in the Show Hunter Pony Championship category.

Miss Ross-Sarwar, a Sir John Thursby Community College pupil, from Burnley, entered the 14 to 25 age group and performed a variety of specially designed routines in a bid to wow the judges.

Miss Ross-Sarwar was one of the youngest to perform in her category and had only been practising with her horse, Carnsdale Cover Story, a 15-hand hunter pony, for eight weeks.

Showing was also a new form of horse riding for the teenager, who usually takes part in dressage and has represented England in the dress circuit.

Sabrina Ross said her daughter’s win was a fantastic achievement.

Mrs Ross, 33, said: “Winning this competition at 14 years of age is unheard of.

“She was up against adults with more than a decade of experience on her.”

“People can spend years trying to win these competitions yet Morgan won it on her first try.

“Also to move from one discipline to another and to win something as prestigious as this is incredible.

“Her family is so proud of her and she’s completely over the moon.”

Miss Ross-Sarwar found her love for horses when she was eight years old and trains regularly at the Fearns Community Equestrian Centre near Stacksteads, owned by her mum.

Dressage involve a series of individual tests with an increasing level of difficulty.

Miss Ross-Sarwar scored 87 points on the day, coming ahead of seven other riders.

The competition was held at The All England Jumping Course in Hickstead, West Sussex.

Mrs Ross said: “Riders spend months and months practising to compete these events.

“My daughter did it in eight weeks - it's unbelievable.”