A DEBUT appearance at the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley beckons for a versatile, locally-bred horse.

Va Bien, owned and bred by Inge Robbins of Castleton, has qualified for next month's showpiece in the Search for a Star competition, ridden by Jodie Stevens from Lancashire, and as a small riding horse, ridden by animal artist Philippa Porley.

Her success delighted all her connections as it was the first time she had contested qualifying events.

Va Bien also enjoyed a wonderful week at the recent BSPS championships, finishing first and reserve champion in the highly competitive Packard Bell show hunter pony.

Ridden by Jodie Stevens, she was also third in the All British show hunter pony and placed in all her other classes.

Va Bien is pictured ridden by Philippa Porley, who also rode her dam Iskra to much success. Philippa will also be riding the Dartmoor stallion Shilstone Rocks Atlantic Gale at Wembley.