JOSH Langton, of the Lamerton branch of the Pony Club, came second in the Intermediate Individual Show Jumping Championships In Derbyshire last week.

There were 57 in his class, from all over the country, with only six going forward to the jump-off with double clear rounds. In the jump-off, Josh and Willow just had one pole down, to finish second — a magnificent achievement.

Josh, a pupil at Callington College, is a good Pony Club member and enjoys his show jumping. He is dedicated to his horses and gets up early before school every day to muck out.

Willow was not bought as a competition horse; she has been owned by the Langton family since she was a foal and began her working life as a hunter. Josh still regularly hunts with the Lamerton branch and began teaching Willow to show jump three years ago at Pony Club.

Josh and Willow affiliated to BSJA last year and have been placed every time out but this is their greatest achievement so far, with a podium finish in front of a big crowd at the National Championships.

Helen Harris, district commissioner of the Lamerton branch said: 'Josh really deserves this win — he has trained hard and developed a real bond with Willow, who is a lovely honest horse. I am really proud of him - he exemplifies the best in Pony Club.'

Lamerton's eventing team also travelled up to Derbyshire for the Intermediate Eventing Championships, and had a wonderful first time there. All three produced good dressage scores followed by reasonable show jumping rounds. Hannah Gribble on her young horse Via had a good cross country round, while Georgie Dudden on her inexperienced Oriana was pleased to finish with a couple of stops. Naomi Tibbs and her horse Guy flew clear round the imposing cross country course, which was bigger and more demanding than most courses in the South West, to come 18th in their arena.