IT’S a dream come true for a rider and her horse.

Jane Laurie and her horse, Beau, have scooped the bronze ward in their category at the national Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

The annual show, held at Birmingham NEC last week, is the UK’s largest equestrian show.

The show is dominated by professional riders on horses costing tens of thousands of pounds.

But Jane, from Netherton, and Beau squeezed through via the show’s Search for a Star, which is open to amateur riders and affordable horses.

Jane and her Danish thoroughbred walked, trotted and cantered to an “ amazing” third place in the ‘hack horse’ category.

Ten-year-old Beau’s build, balance and obedience when ridden by Jane and one of the judges also brought the bronze medal home.

But it wasn’t always so. Beau was injured shortly after Jane, a bartender, bought him three years ago.

And after he recovered Beau, who competes under the name ‘Bozley’, threw Jane twice causing her to break two vertebrae and rupture her kidneys.

Eventually Jane and Beau’s friendship was cemented and the pair rode to numerous trophies including the Local Rider Cup at this year’s Honley Show.

Regional trophies are a serious achievement but a rosette at HOYS is about the highest accolade for an amateur rider, Jane, 48, said.

“We were so nervous and poor Beau was shaking when Fay (Leslie, his groomer) was platting him up. He knew it was something big.

All I wanted to do was go into the arena and for him not to spook.

“But he was amazing. He was so good and it made me able to enjoy it. To be placed third was amazing.

“The best part was the lap of honour. The crowd was cheering and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. I’ll never forget that moment.”

Next year Jane can enter HOYS in the professional classes but she says she has no plans for the contest so far.

She added: “This winter we’ll be concentrating on dressage. It doesn’t get much better than that for amateur riders. It’s an amazing dream that’s come true.”