A HORSE was painted and decorated with a Christmas theme to become one of the attractions at a riding school’s festive display.

Dawn Knight, who usually does face-painting and balloon modelling for children, used her skills to decorate a horse named Pie for the occasion at South Causey Equestrian Centre, near Stanley, in County Durham.

Rider Karen Smith took Pie through his paces in a dressage display at the centre’s indoor arena.

Centre manager Michelle Scarr said: “We run this event annually.

“It gives the riders a chance to show what they have learnt during the year.

“This year the theme was the circus and we had a variety of activities, including show jumping and dressage.

“More than 400 people attended on Friday night, which is amazing, considering the weather we had.”