CONGRATULATIONS to Co Down dressage rider Courtney Akkari and her veterinary surgeon husband Chris Akkari who welcomed baby Winnie Grace Akkari on Friday, July 25th, a baby sister for their two-year-old son Rupert.

Courtney told Pony Tales: “Winnie has been the most precious addition to our family and we feel extremely grateful each day.

“Rupert, who is now two, has transitioned into becoming a big brother brilliantly and, of course, is very hopeful that Winnie shares his love of all things tractors and machinery. As Rupert so far has very little interest in ponies, I am hoping baby Winnie will share my love for them.”

Courtney, who documents much of her life and dressage career to her 13,500 followers on Tik Tok, rode up to the end of her pregnancy and is delighted to be back in the saddle already. “I am very lucky to be back in the saddle at just 17 days postpartum,” she said.

“I have a brilliant team around me who kept Barney and Vino in work so as I was able to ride as soon as I felt ready. I have a few shows pencilled in the diary and can’t wait to get back out competing. Life as a family of four is certainly busy, but one I wouldn’t trade for the world.”