ON Tuesday April 23, 11 riders set off from Robinson’s Equi Teach in Middlesbrough, to take part in the BHS National Riding Schools Championships at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, in Warwickshire.
The competition, held annually, is open to all BHS Approved Riding Centres but all competitors must be non-horse owners competing on horses and ponies on a riding school licence.
Fourteen regional qualifying competitions were held earlier this year, throughout the country, where riders of all ages and abilities were welcomed to demonstrate their skills in dressage, jumping and stable management.
Equi Teach proprietor Claire Robinson said: "It is a truly super competition with everyone really enjoying their fabulous school horses as well as having the chance to experience a national competition in the very best company with fantastic support."
In the combined dressage, quiz and show jumping competition, 12 yrs and under, Jessie Hooper riding Socks was second and Rose Fisher riding Alice was 12th.
In the 13 to 17 yrs section, Frankie Dunn was third riding Little Tinkerman and Bella Murphy riding Patrick was ninth. Both are former BHS rescue ponies. Carla Franke riding Totty also qualified for this class and although she was unplaced on this occasion, Carla has gained valuable experience for the future.
In the 18 yrs and over section Hannah Bowles riding Socks was tenth.
In the dressage only section, 17 yrs and under, Emily Power riding Gilly took first place which meant that she also received a £75 training voucher to use at her approved BHS centre in Middlesbrough, as well as securing two silver salvers for Claire Robinson who was the winning instructor and proprietor for this class.
In the same class Kayla Pratt riding Little Tinkerman was sixth, and Sophie Puckerin riding Socks was 12th.
In the dressage only section 18 yrs and over, Louise Humphreys riding Gilly was fifth.
Sian Smith and Little Tinkerman weren't placed in this class, but still managed the biggest smile of the day.
The day had also included a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, and to round off a successful event, Emily Power, Frankie Dunn, Jessie Hooper and Bella Murphy were placed third in the team competition overall
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