Girl began competitive horse-riding at age four

By Jamie Smith via SWNS

Little Sofia Melluzzi began horse-riding when she was three and started competing aged just FOUR.

Sofia, now six, has grown up around horses and ponies since she was born and comes from a long line of equestrians as her mother Cristina, and her grandmother, are both riders.

She fell in love with ponies before she could even walk and got her four-legged best friend Cindy, as a pony, for her third birthday.

By the time Sofia was four, she was taking part in horse-riding competitions with 14-year-old British riding pony Cindy.

Sofia’s mother, Cristina Melluzzi, from North Carolina, said: “Sofia has a deep respect and love for horses.

“She started riding when she was a baby and got Cindy, her first pony for her third birthday. By the time she was four, she was already competing.”

Over the years, Cindy and Sofia have developed a strong bond and now know each other inside-out.

Cristina added: "Sofia is an advocate for all animals and talks about owning her own horse rescue one day. She loves and cares for all animals.

“Her relationship with Cindy is very special and unique. She knows Cindy inside out and Cindy knows her.

"They have grown up together. They trust each other implicitly.

“I feel very proud of what a kind, loving and respectful young equestrian she is. She prioritizes the health and happiness of Cindy over and above anything else.”

Footage shows Sofia riding Cindy on the family's farm in Spain as well as on their farm in North Carolina.

Cristina added: "We flew Cindy from Spain to the USA when we moved here! That’s how special she is to our family!

"Children benefit hugely from being outside in nature with animals. They learn to be responsible, dedicated and committed to their passion at a very young age.”