A BROOD mare and foal from North Yorkshire have enjoyed a very successful first season in the show ring.

Goldsborough Princess Royale and Rosamel Golden Promise, owned and bred by Wayne and Melissa Merryweather of Stokesley, have picked up several top prizes during the summer.

The mare, produced by Alan Charlesworth, was supreme champion at Midlands Counties and reserve overall supreme after being judged supreme brood mare champion at Area 4.

She was also reserve champion at the Great Yorkshire, Ponies UK and NPS Malvern, while her foal, sired by Rotherwood Peter Pan, was supreme champion at Area 4 and reserve supreme at Ponies UK.

Although Princess Royale was in her first season as a brood mare, the Merryweathers had previously shown her successfully in riding pony classes, qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show.

They bought the mare as a three-year-old from her breeder, Maurice Newton of Goldsborough.

Mr Merryweather said: "We are now very excited for next season as the mare is in foal to Wharf Nimrod and we hope our success will continue."