Year 12 Aldenham student Jodie Hall-McAteer has been crowned 2016 leading pony showjumper of the year. Jodie lit up the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham by finishing first on Tixylix, and also finishing second on Little Squire. It is believed to be the first time in the prestigious class's 67-year history for any rider to claim first AND second place.

Tixylix had previously been ridden to victory in the same competition by current Great Britain international star and Rio Olympics reserve Jessica Mendoza in 2010.  The winning jump-off time of 36.93 seconds was more than a second quicker than Jodie’s round on Little Squire, while Emma Crawford and Moonlight Flight finished third in a battle that saw last year's winner Robert Murphy and current European pony champion Jack Whitaker finish outside the top three.

Jodie, 16, said: "I am very proud, especially as it's my last year on ponies, and it was extra special with Little Squire, who I have brought through from the start, coming second." 

Tixylix is owned by Jessica Mendoza's mother Sarah, and Jodie added: "I got her at the beginning of 2013. I was second in this class in 2013 and 2014, and then last year I had an unlucky fence down, so I was quite determined this year! She just loves her job. Every time she goes in the ring, she just knows when it is a big occasion."