Three years of hard work paid off spectacularly for Ashford’s Courtney Francis at this year’s Royal London Horse Show.

The 17-year-old teamed up with her pony, Lakeland Boy, to win the titles of Working Hunter Pony of Britain 2011, Supreme Riding Horse of Britain 2011 and overall champion of the show, Supreme Show Horse of Britain.

Courtney (pictured) said: "I went to the Royal London Show with no aspirations of winning but just wanted Lakeland to do well and enjoy himself.

"He went on to compete over three days in small hunter, show hunter and working hunter classes, did not put a foot wrong and I was over the moon when he was awarded the title of Working Hunter Pony of Britain.

"Lakeland, however, had other ambitions and went on to win himself the title of Supreme Ridden Horse of Britain followed by Supreme Champion Show Horse of Britain. I still don’t think this has all sunk in yet – it feels like a dream."

The titles were a deserved reward for a journey that began in 2008 when Courtney bought Lakeland Boy as a show jumper with aims of success in the show ring.

In 2009, Courtney and Lakeland took up livery at the Bilsington Priory Home Farm Equestrian Centre and focused on hunting. This helped to explore how Lakeland’s love of jumping natural obstacles could be used to great effect in the showing world.

The successes have given Courtney further motivation for 2012 and beyond.

She said: "After a much-deserved rest, Lakeland and I will be out with the East Kent Hunt and will continue to have lots of fun with an aim to be competing at the Horse of the Year Show next year.

"My ambition is to produce and train top-quality working and show hunter horses.

"Lakeland will always be my special pony and I know that we will continue to have many more successes."