A HIGH stepping but once neglected pony repaid heaps of love and affection by taking rider Alison Hardy to a Great Britain silver.

Less than five years after being rescued, abused, maneless and neglected from a North Lancs chicken shack, Little Demonstrator and Atherton schoolgirl Alison helped the British dressage team to runner-up spot in the Southern Ireland championships.

Proud Alison, 15, of Pike Avenue explained:"What makes the result rather special to me is that Little Demonstrator was not an experienced or expensive pony.

"He had been abused and badly neglected, kept in a chicken shed and had no mane or tail and was covered in bald patches."

But the once sad little pony has become a prince of the show-ring, thanks to lots of care and affection.

With expert tuition from Andrea Morris at Abram Hall, inseperable Alison and her "little demon" were selected for the British team after just seven events.

And an individual fourth place and team silver at Blarney underlines Alison's faith.

Now they'll take on allcomers next month at the Hickstead Young Rider Festival for up to 21 year-olds. PACL 806/19

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