2014 has been quite an eventful year for junior jockey Soffia Cynwyl of the Serenteifi Stud, Beulah.

Having won over 20 championships at local, county and national shows, both in hand and under saddle, Soffia (eight), a pupil at Trewen School, has just been presented with the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society Young Exhibitor Scheme Championship Award. Soffia, a member of the Tivyside Pony Club, beat off competition from all over the UK to win her class between the age of eight and 10 as well as winning the overall championship with 97 points against 16 year old competitors. She competed in hand at five affiliated shows this year, including Cardigan County and Nevern Agricultural Show with her piebald mare, Earlswood Joules (aka Jeni) where she was judged for her in hand showing techniques, presentation and ring craft.

But her success for this year was made even more special when, this week she was awarded Champion Rider between the age of six and eight years old with the UK Shetland Performance Awards having collated points for her ridden classes at every show this year. As well as being placed in several classes in the scheme, she finished third in the Nan French Overall Championship Pony Class of 2014.

' I'm really delighted and overwhelmed to have won. I am very proud of Jeni as she has given me a lot of confidence in the show ring and always behaves. She is very experienced and I love her very much,' said Soffia with a huge grin. She added: ' Thanks to mum for driving me to shows everywhere, mamgu for providing picnics, and for the support from friends and family.'