The recent Horse Agility World Championships saw the British competitors win the top two titles.

Exmoor rules supreme

In the Worldwide OLHA League, where competitors from 13 countries competed via video entries, the final placings saw Britain and Canada battling it out for the Championship. The winner was Dawn Westcott of Somerset, with her Exmoor pony stallion Hawkwell Versuvius.

Born wild on the moor, Hawkwell Versuvius (known as "Bear") now also competes in showing as well as carrying out stallion duties. Owner Dawn admits that when she started in horse agility she was doubtful she could work a stallion loose over obstacles, let alone win the World Championships, but her hard work and commitment has paid off.

The reserve champions were Deborah Pitts and Pedro, who showed a remarkable connection as they moved round a course that included see-saws, jumps and ‘scary corners’. Pedro, originally from South America, was destined for the meat and pelt markets of Italy, but he was rescued and shipped to England, where Deborah put many hours into helping him to become a happy, well-trained horse.

Newcomer wins 

The winner of the International Competitions League Championship, where competitors accumulate points through real time competitons, was Susannah Muir from Essex, with her Exmoor pony Threeshires Zanatan ("Twiggy"). Susannah only got involved in Horse Agility at the beginning of 2011 and is thrilled to have received this Championship prize.

Horse agility is based on the popular sport of dog agility, with horses working loose over a fixed obstacle course. Each obstacle is judged in two sections - five marks for successfully completing the obstacle, and five marks for good horsemanship. No whips or sticks are allowed, and the emphasis is on fun and safety for all concerned.

Watch the winning videos here: