A HEREFORDSHIRE stable is celebrating after success at the Horse of the Year Show.

Ann Hooley, who, with husband Chris, runs Sheppon Hill Stables in Hoarwithy, partnered Judith Evans' Toman to success in the Ridden Pure-Bred Arab of the Year section of the championship.

It has been a big year already for the pairing with success at the Royal International Horse Show, the Three Counties Show and at the British Arabian Championships.

"It is our third season of working with him," said Ann Hooley. "In 2004 we broke him and did two shows as a novice - at Cheltenham and the British Arabian National Championships - and won them both.

"Last year we were only beaten once in seven shows.

"But this has been a great thrill and we shall probably never do it again.

"He deserved it and he's a very nice horse - he just put his best foot forward."

Toman has now returned to his home stable in Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove, for the winter.

m HEREFORDSHIRE eventer Louise Skelton has come out on top in the 37-fixture Shires Wales and West Eventing League for novice horses.

The competition has run throughout the season, taking in fixtures across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Cheshire and Wales.

There were separate sections for riders at intro, pre-novice, novice and intermediate levels with points gained for those being placed in the top six at any of the venues.

Skelton led the novice competition going into the final venue at Broadway, near Evesham but there was only a narrow margin between her and Matt Ryan.

But a win on her own six-year-old horse Shiner and a second-place on Will Jones' mare Dawning ensured Skelton the title by a single-point margin from Ryan and a £500 voucher for Shires products.

Skelton also took second position in the intermediate league, just five points behind Worcestershire rider Adrian Little.

m TWINS from North Here-fordshire are busy making their name in the equestrian world.

Katie and Becky Goodwin from Shobdon have enjoyed a golden summer, adding considerably to their tally of silverware including titles at the Monmouth County Show, the Midlands Championships and the Shropshire Horse Show.

In fact, for one seven-week period, one or other of the 11-year-olds picked up a championship or reserve championship each week.

"They have been riding almost since they were born," said mum Annaly Goodwin.

"They are fairly even in what they have won.

"Becky has won more first prizes while Katie has picked up more reserves and championships."

The pair manage to maintain a good relationship which includes a competitive edge.

"They don't fall out if one beats the other but they both like to win," said Annaly.