Five-year-old Milos Dvorak is counting down the days until he and his much-loved pony, Hashie, take centre stage at the Royal Show.

For Milos, the excitement is not just about competing — it is about getting out on the big oval, riding his pony and being part of an event he has watched his older brother enjoy for the past two years.

This year marks Milos’s first time riding at the Royal Show, and his family says he could not be more excited.

“He’s very excited and he can’t wait to ride at the show,” his mum, Nicole, said.

Milos has only been riding for about a year, but he has already developed a strong bond with Hashie, an eight-year-old pony who stands at just over 11 hands.

“He loves riding his pony Hashie because he’s fun and he keeps him safe,” Ms Dvorak said.

The pair will compete in the Lead Rein Hunter Pony classes and the APSB Lead Rein Class, as well as Milos’s rider class.

Milos will also get the chance to ride another special pony at the show — Tommy Turtle, a black Shetland pony owned by Wexford Park, who he has ridden at shows before.

He is particularly looking forward to getting back in the saddle with both ponies.

While preparation for the Royal Show involves plenty of work, Milos is happy to play his part.

Hashie will be washed and groomed before the big event, although there is one part of the preparation he certainly does not mind.

“He likes the water,” Milos said.

Nicole said the family will travel to the show each day rather than staying overnight, as it is more comfortable for the horses and helps keep them settled in familiar surroundings.

With fireworks and the busy atmosphere potentially unsettling for horses, the family believes bringing Hashie home each night is the best option.

The Royal Show is also a family tradition for the Dvorak family.

Ms Dvorak grew up around horses and has owned and ridden them since she was about eight years old.

The family has shown horses, owned horses and even had racehorses, so seeing her sons develop their own passion for riding is particularly special.

Ms Dvorak said it was “absolutely” important for her children to be involved in the equine community.

Milos’s older brother, who is eight, has already competed at the Royal Show and has become an important role model for his younger brother.

“He’s got his older brother to watch and encourage him,” Ms Dvorak said.

“It keeps it exciting for them that they can ride together as well.”

For Milos, the Royal Show will also be something exciting to share with his school friends.

He has already told his classmates that he will be taking part and that he may even appear in the newspaper - but when asked what he is most looking forward to, the answer is simple: riding.

With Hashie by his side and Tommy Turtle waiting for another ride, Milos is ready for his first Royal Show adventure — and his family could not be prouder.