BSPS member hopes to be crowned Miss Wales

A keen British Show Pony Society (BSPS) member is hoping to swap her riding hat for a crown this summer as she competes for the title of Miss Wales.

Twenty-two-year-old Nia Marshalsay from Aberystwyth is one of 65 girls chosen for the final of Miss Wales out of hundreds of applicants.

Nia was nominated for the title by her boyfriend, Ian Thomas. She got through regional rounds and qualified for the final, which will be held at Cardiff International Arena on 18 July. The winner will then go into the finals for Miss World.

Nia has competed in large intermediate show riding type classes at Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has qualified for this year’s Royal International Horse Show. She’s also been in the Welsh BSPS team.

She has already raised over £1,700 for the competition’s chosen charity The Joshua Foundation and won her heat through public vote.

“I’ve always been involved in horses. We have about 12 and my sister and family are all into showing. I’m out riding and showing most weekends. I love going to HOYS and have qualified to ride there several times, though I’ve not yet been placed,” Nia said.

Nia works in the education department for Ceredigion County Council. She also works at Ron and Debbie Thomas’s stables in Carmathen and is sponsored by the Andrews Group.

To vote for Nia as Miss Wales text her full name to 84205.

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