Daisy Adamson says she had to fight back tears when 14-year-old Sugar Rush was crowned the winner.
A failed racehorse who was retrained in dressage has won a national award.
Daisy Adamson, from Essex, bought Sugar Rush in 2015, after Newmarket trainer Michael Bell decided racing was not for him.
But Sugar Rush, also known by his stable name Marley, was crowned with the 2026 horse of the year award by the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) charity.
Adamson, who is an equine physiotherapist, said: "I've always known how special Marley was. He is, and always has been, my superstar - but now the world can see it too."
Adamson told BBC Essex Sport Extra presenter Ian Puckey that she was trying to fight back the tears when Marley was awarded.
"I didn't expect it, so it was a really nice surprise," said the 31-year-old, who is from Little Hallingbury, which is near Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire.
"His favourite is competing, he really knows when it's a big occasion and he pulls it out for you."
The awards were held on Saturday at Cheltenham Racecourse and Zara Tindall, RoR Patron, opened the ceremony.
Tindall said the finalists and winners this year were outstanding but added: "It is always amazing to see the special bond between horse and rider, and the love, commitment and expertise that goes into helping former racehorses thrive in their second careers."
Sugar Rush has also dabbled in polocrosse, jumping and dancing.
The 14-year-old horse has won various accolades with the RoR over the last three years, which included winning national dressage championships.
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