GEE-GEE whizz -- An 18-year-old horse champ from Kirkham has won a chance to compete in the Horse of the Year Show.

Jodie Stevens (above) of Thistleton Road, Thistleton, will take part in the prestigious annual competition at Wembley in September after winning a national equestrian talent competition, Search for a Star 2001.

The competition, open to all amateurs, aims to identify potential champions, and give riders a chance to compete at the horse of the year show.

Jodie and five-year-old show horse Va Bien recently beat 29 other competitors at an indoor riding complex at Osbaldeston, near Blackburn, to scoop the prize.

The pair were marked on their appearance -- including checks on the horse's bone structure -- and on their performance of an individual display.

Jodie said: "I was very lucky to be asked to ride Va Bien -- she is an amazing horse. I was overwhelmed when they said I had won over the loud speaker."

The ex-Kirkham Grammar girl teamed up with Va Bien after the horse's owner spotted the teenager while she was showing one of her mum's horses.

And now she is looking forward to taking Va Bien to the September show, but admits she is nervous. "It's a completely different atmosphere," she said. "But my family and friends are very excited and they are wishing me well."