Katy Downing is a Senior Education Co-ordinator at By Design Group.

When Katy is not delivering our Education Programmes to schools around the country she is a keen Equestrian and over the last 18 months has had a number of successful achievements with her Pony 'Waverhead Ted'.  Katy explains:

"I have been riding since I was two years old and this year accomplished my highest achievement to date by becoming 'Mountain and Moorland National Side Saddle Champion'.  We have also competed in Horse of the Year Show and Olympia qualifiers this year. A particular highlight was coming 8th at Royal Windsor Horse Show, in the shadow of Windsor Castle and being watched the whole time by HM The Queen who was stood at the ringside, and another at being 'Home Produced Champion' at NPS Area 20.

Ted is a 14hh, 11year old, Black Fell Pony Gelding who we have owned since he was 5 months old. He is an absolute star and took learning to carry the side saddle in his stride, which was good as we only gave ourselves 4 weeks to learn and qualify for the national finals!  We are not your typical side saddle picture; firstly all the other riders seem to be size 10's and on elegant ladies mounts. Neither Ted nor I fit this description and we had some funny looks at the qualifying shows but on the whole everyone was really supportive.

At the Nationals we were the only native pony in the 'Equitation' class and after a good performance we finished 7th, not bad after only four weeks! The 'Mountain and Moorland' class was large with many established horses and riders competing and I was quite nervous. But I needn't have worried as Ted rose to the occasion and shone like the star he is and we won, I could hardly believe it! We went into the Championship pleased to have got through but never thinking we would actually win it. When we were pulled forward as Champion, my Mum, Sister, Husband and Friend whooped and cheered. It was a fabulous feeling and one, I think, that will stay with me for a very long time.

The 'Team' have had great success this year not only with my big win on Ted but also when my sister qualified for Horse of the Year Show on her first attempt with the Exmoor Mare 'Redstart'. She also qualified her for Olympia on only the second attempt. Horse of the Year Show has been and gone; she was a really good girl but unfortunately did not finish in the top ten. We all had a lovely day though and it was good practice for Olympia at Christmas! My sister also has an event horse that has been placed at BE90 and completed several BE100 events; not bad for both a horse and rider who had never attempted Eventing before.

I have many aims with Ted and trying to keep our National Champion crown is just one for the 2010 season. I will again compete in Horse of the Year Show Qualifiers and next year I hope to get one of the elusive qualifying places. The 'Team' will consist of Ted and the Eventers next year, with the Exmoor going off to stud.

As with any sport none of this is possible without the support of the 'Team' which is my Sister, Mum, Husband and friends."