A GIRL has proved that dreams do come true by qualifying for a major horse show after raising the funds to compete herself.

Amelia Lee, 11, of Bures, has been riding since she was four.

But competing in events up and down the country quickly proved an expensive hobby for her.

So the former Earls Colne Primary School pupil saved up £70 in order to compete at The British Showjumping National Championships.

There, she managed to qualify to compete in The Horse of the Year Show - a dream come true for the youngster.

There are only 16 qualifiers held in the country with a number of elite riders competing for a spot in show.

Amelia’s mum, Hayley, said: “We are truly immensely proud of her.

“She is a determined girl and has proven to us that if you follow your dreams they can come true.

“These qualifiers are held across the country and it does get very expensive to travel to on a regular basis so we had to stop.

“She is competing against adults as well so it is so hard, some of these people are professionals so it is hugely difficult to qualify.

“She saved up all her pocket money and birthday money and was certain she wanted to spend the money to compete.

“We almost tried to convince her not to because it was all her money, but she insisted and obviously knew something we didn’t because she got the ticket.

“She broke down in tears when it was announced, everyone was checking she was okay but she was just overwhelmed with happiness.

“This is something she hasn’t wanted for such a long time and now she has achieved it off her own back.”

The youngster has had her pony, Annandale New Approach, for a year and competed in several qualifier.

Amelia has been competing in the Working Hunter Classes, combining a course of rustic jumps followed by a ridden show and then confirmation.

She will compete in The British Show Pony Society M&M Working Hunter Pony of the Year competition at Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham in October.