A newly-crowned dressage champion from Colindale said she could not have won without the help of her trusty horse.

Courtney Watts, of Springfield Road, came first in the dressage section of the National Disabled Riding Championships at Hartpury College, Gloucester, last weekend.

The 16-year-old, who trains at Penniwells Riding Centre in Edgwarebury Lane, Elstree, said she could not have done it without the help of her horse Jago.

Courtney, who has a learning disability, said: “The atmosphere was amazing. It was boiling hot but I did not want to let that put me off.

“It was a really nice day and winning was the best part. There were so many people there and it was really exciting.

“I am really proud of myself and my parents are happy too. Jago is my favourite horse – my winning is also down to him.”

Former London Academy student Courtney has entered the dressage competition for the past three years, and this is the second time she has been named national UK champion.

There were 30 other contestants in her category – some who were in their 60s and far more experienced – making the win all the more special.

She spent hours perfecting her routine before the big day and she added she is now "over the moon" her hard work has paid off.

Courtney, who has just completed her GCSEs, now plans to study equine sciences at college.

During her summer holidays, she plans on spending her days volunteering at Penniwells at grooming Jago as well as her other favourite horses Connie and Prince.

Penniwells entered eight other riders and the group went out dressed in glamorous onesies to celebrate their success after the competition.

Penniwells group organiser Sarah Healing said: “It was an incredible day, everyone absolutely loved it. They all put their all into it.

“I am so proud of Courtney and everyone else who took part. She has trained so hard and she really deserves her success – she’s earned it.”