BROADCASTER and journalist Clare Balding presented an award to a nine-year-old girl who attends Haworth Riding for the Disabled. (RDA)

Charlotte Seth was named Rider of the Year at RDA's annual awards night, which was hosted by Ms Balding.

The evening also featured appearances from news presenter Alastair Stewart, Paralympian Natasha Baker and celebrity auctioneer Philip Serrell.

Charlotte has Joberts Syndrome, which causes balance and co-ordination problems and also affects her motor skills.

She started riding with Haworth RDA when she was just four. At the time, she needed a team of three volunteers around her as she was unable to sit upright on the pony.

Haworth group coach Jane Lawrence said: “Riding is therapy without Charlotte realising the therapy is actually happening."

She explained that Charlotte has been very determined, and has made amazing progress as a rider.

Ms Lawrence said her strength had improved to the extent that she now, with support, can walk up the mounting block steps, support herself on a pony and sit upright.

“Charlotte is so much more in control of where she wants to go and what she wants to do,” she added. “I’m so proud of her – I think she’s amazing.”

When asked what she wants to do when she grows up, Charlotte replied: “I want to be able to do anything. I want to tell everyone they can do anything.”