A SHOW pony which made a magnificent comeback from cancer before taking up the reigns as an international champion is now looking for your votes.

Fell pony Guards Jester, affectionately known at home as Pookie, is up for personality of the year in a world-wide competition after battling his way through cancer and to the top in the dressage world.

Two years ago 17-year-old Pookie went under the knife to remove a cancerous tumour but has since battled back to get fighting fit for competitions.

After his first appearance and winning performance at The Royal London International Horse Show Olympia last December he has now been nominated as pony personality of the year at the Showing World Awards.

Owner Christina Brooks, from Chinnor near Thame, said: "I have had Pookie since he was ten-years-old and about two years ago he underwent surgery as he had a cancerous tumour and had time off to get over it and his health back.

"He bounced back and qualified for the Olympia Horse Show which has always been a childhood dream for me. I used to watch the show as a child.

"Then he went on to win and we were crowned Senior Showing In Hand champions which was amazing, I was just aiming for top six but to win was great.

"I owe him everything, he has done so well coming out and getting back to full health - he has been amazing."

His story has won the hearts of many and now made him a nominee in the Showing World Awards and is up against five others.

Miss Brooks said: "My mum had horses before I was born and I have just grown up with it.

"I was at a show in Newbury and the horse I was riding was a bit unpredictable and naughty so a friend said try this pony Pookie and I just fell in love with him.

"He is just cheeky, lovable and an absolute saint, he will look after anyone who rides him no matter whether they have ridden a horse before.

"We call him Pookie because he has these great big hamster cheeks."

The Showing World magazine hosts the personality competition which ponies and their owners are put forward for the various categories before judges whittle entries down.

Now it is up to the public to vote for their favourites and Pookie is hoping to win more hearts with his story.

To vote for him see showingworldonline.co.uk and click vote before selecting Guards Jester.