A HORSE owned by Burnley's Horses & Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) has been crowned the Veteran Horse Society's Supreme Champion 2003 at a prestigious show-jumping championship.

Hudson Bay, 30, scooped the prestigious prize at the Olympia International Show Jumping Championships in London. He was one of 10 UK finalists hoping to be awarded the title after successfully competing at both local and regional levels to become Welsh Champion.

Hudson Bay began his working life on active duty with Staffordshire Constabulary. At the age of 18 he was given to HAPPA, who were asked to find him a good home in which to enjoy his retirement.

He arrived at Gregory Farm, HAPPA's Rescue Centre in Briercliffe, in a sorry state, having contracted a virus while travelling, but after a period of recuperation went to live with his carer, Sarah Fraser and the two of them have now been happily together for 12 years.

They began competing only three years ago when Sarah decided that even at the age of 27, Hudson Bay needed something to keep his mind fully occupied. Since then he has gone from strength to strength.

Sarah, who is thrilled with his success, said: "We would like to thank all our family and friends for their tremendous support and I am most grateful to Top Spec Feeds for their sponsorship. It is an honour for us to have competed at Olympia. It finished off a fantastic year for both us and HAPPA."

HAPPA is a registered charity that rescues horses, ponies and donkeys that have often been subjected to cruelty or neglect. It never sells its animals but re-homes them on their Loan Scheme. HAPPA currently has more than 600 equines in their care.

Ken Cranage, HAPPA chairman, said, "We are delighted that Hudson Bay has done so well, it is a tribute to the care he has received. We would like to congratulate Sarah and Hudson Bay on a tremendous victory."