Horse and rider were in almost perfect harmony as Kirsty Ferguson and her pony Jack helped England to complete a memorable hat-trick in the Mounted Games European Championships.

The 26-year-old from Kennington and her mount made just two mistakes during a challenging 60-race schedule as England pipped Wales by three points to claim the title for a third successive year in Verden, Germany.

Ferguson was making her international debut and admitted she was ‘overwhelmed’ to be part of the six-strong winning team, which also featured fellow Kent rider Ellie Garnett, from Ickham, near Canterbury.

The rider, who works at Ashford’s Stour Centre, explained: "There was a bit of pressure on us because England had won for the past two years but we were always positive.

"We knew it was going to be pretty tough because the Welsh, Germans and French always give us a run for our money, but Jack was really good.

" I don’t think he put a single foot wrong and I made just two mistakes which I was really pleased with.

"By the time we got down to the last race Wales had to win and hope that we either came last or were disqualified but in the event we won.

"I was really proud, honoured and just overwhelmed."

Ferguson has been riding since the age of six and is a former member of the Ashford Valley Pony Club.

A Kent regular for a number of years this is her fourth season riding 19-year-old Jack with the pair earning their national call-up after impressing selectors.

The England team at Verden comprised four girls and two boys, and Ferguson says her aim now is to try to retain her place for when England defend their title on home soil next year.