A carriage driver from Brecon has been crowned national champion after winning her class at the Indoor Carriage Driving National Championships in Lincolnshire.

Emily Ham claimed victory in the class for drivers with disabilities at the three-day event, held at Arena UK and featuring the top qualifiers from across the UK.

Driving her 24-year-old chestnut Welsh Section D cob, Alfie, Emily impressed the judges with a strong performance across all phases of the competition.

The pair placed second in the dressage and produced a faultless cones round, just three seconds off the optimum time. In the obstacle phase, they recorded the fastest times in all four rounds to secure the overall title.

"I was absolutely thrilled to maintain our lead with the fastest obstacles in our class and become winner of the Disabled Drivers Class at the UK finals,” said Emily.

“I'm so proud of Alfie, who was such a super pony.”

She also paid tribute to her backstepper, Esther Rawlinson from Ross-on-Wye, and her father for their support throughout the event.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us this weekend and for all of your kind comments - it was a really lovely atmosphere and so well run,” said Emily.

“The organisers excelled themselves.

“A huge thank you to Tristar horseboxes, of Llanwrda, for their generous contribution towards the cost of competing at this event.”

“Congratulations to my fellow competitors who all drove so well and made it a great competition,” she said.

The win comes just months after Ham underwent major surgery in November. She made her competitive return in March at Cricklands and is now aiming for selection to represent Team GBR at the World Para Driving Championships in Lähden, Germany, which is due to take place from September 4 to 7 this year.