A CHORLEY five-year-old is getting ready for one of the most famous horse shows in the world.

Niah Lucas will be heading down with her family to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) event in Kenilworth this weekend.

The event this year is even more special as organisers are celebrating its 70th birthday.

The five-year-old beat tough competition to reach the event and is excited about the show.

Proud mum Charlotte Lucas said: “The Horse of the Year Show is the most famous horse show in the world.

“Qualifiers are held around the country throughout the summer and only the elite get a place.

“With only 18 qualifiers it’s hard to qualify.

“They are expecting thousands and thousands of visitors.

She added said: “Niah has been riding since she could sit up and has always had a keen interest in ponies.

“She helps out on the yard mucking our and doing yard duties as well as riding her ponies.

“When Niah grows up she wants to be a show jumper, so she is working towards this.”

Charlotte insists that the family are very excited about the event and it has been her dream for a long time to lead Niah at HOYS.

“Niah and Woodroyd Toy Boy, or Nigel as he is known at home, have a very special bond. Niah says Nigel is her special boy and she loves riding and grooming him.

“The day before Niah’s fifth birthday, we travelled to Edinburgh for the Scottish horse show to compete in the HOYS qualifier for the price family Mini-show Pony of the Year class.

“Niah and Nigel went fabulously and when their names where called it is evident just how much it meant.

“Competing at the Horse of the Year Show is such an honour. Getting into that ring and doing our best is the main aim. We will both have massive beams on our faces and mummy will be proud no matter what the result.

“It truly is an honour to compete at the worlds most famous horse show.

“Niah is very excited to be riding at HOYS and has asked every day for the past couple of weeks if we are going yet.

“I know she will be overwhelmed on the day but she will also give it her all.”