Strathearn Pony Club were finally crowned victorious in the Prince Philip Cup mounted games final at Horse of the Year Show at their third time of trying.
The club, which qualified for HOYS for the first time in 25 years back in 2011, has for the last two years in succession finished second in the final.
However, this year they nailed the win during a thrilling competition finish live on Sky Sports TV on HOYS closing night.
After winning three sessions in the run-up to the final, Strathearn won the cup on a score of 108, ahead of Warwickshire Hunt in second on 99, Atherstone Hunt in third on 96 and Poole and District on 89.
Oakley Hunt (West) and Cheshire Hunt (North) also reached HOYS for 2013.
Although undoubtedly a lot of fun, hours of specific training goes into making the Prince Philip Cup teams as successful as possible.
Strathearn team trainer Alistair Brewster, who hailed originally from Glamis, was inspired to dedicate his time to the Pony Club by his own father Alex, who in turn had been deeply involved with the Angus branch. Reflecting on the win Alistair said: “It was a fantastic achievement for the team.
“We had a five-year campaign to get here and it was such a great feeling to win after coming so close in the previous two years.
“There are some very proud and happy families.”
The team of Hamish d’Ath, Iona Wilson, Sophie O’Neil, Sophie Targell-Worth, Sam Ryder and sixth man Heather Halley, which raised money for their journey to Birmingham by bag packing at the local supermarket in Crieff and via donation website www.justgiving.com/StrathearnPonyClub, thanked Gleneagles Equestrian Centre for allowing them to train at the Perthshire facility and also paid credit to help from Vaila Leggat for their success.
The win in the final puts Strathearn top of more than 250 other Pony Club mounted games teams for this year.
“Our games team train so hard, they strive for perfection and work tirelessly to achieve the best,” Strathearn PC said via their social media page.
“They’ve been to HOYS the last two years and have come away with their heads held high and acting like true sportsmen and women.
“This year they’ve got what they deserve and the hard work has paid off.
“Congratulations to all the riders, you deserve it so much,” the club added.
The Pony Club mounted games is a competition requiring courage, determination and all-round riding ability.
The concept of the competition was first introduced by the Duke of Edinburgh, who suggested that cavalry competitions could be adapted for young riders on ponies in an entertaining and visually engaging format.
The first competitions were held in 1957 and the winner received the coveted Prince Philip Challenge Trophy.