British Riding Clubs' Horse Trials Championships 8-10 August

The hottest weekend on record for the UK saw the South Essex Insurance Brokers sponsored National Horse Trials Championships take place at the beautiful Offchurch Bury Estate in Warwickshire. The weekend was packed with competition encompassing a one-, two- and three-day event, plus the new Home International competition.

In all four championships, officials were extremely impressed with the standard of riding and horse welfare.

Junior One-Day Event
The event kicked off with the Junior Championships on 8 August with the Open and Home International Dressage and Vet Inspection running parallel. Competition was fierce in the junior camp, but Kings Leaze Riding Club was unstoppable and took the team championship. Team members were Alice Turner and Trefeinon Deacon, Claire James with Chinook Tapestry, Lucy Cartwright on Willoway Thomas and Lynda King with Coldharbour Thistle.

Junior Novice Horse Champions, Kings Leaze RC with Nikki McKenzie from SEIB.

The award for the 'All four scores to count' trophy in the junior section went to Holme Valley Riding Club from Yorkshire. The overall junior individual championship went to local rider Sophia Icke with Choc Drop representing Rugby Riding Club.

Home International
The Home International competition was held for the first time this year and saw entries from four regions of England and two regions of Scotland. Sadly, the Welsh and Northern Ireland teams had to withdraw before the event.

Mid England, Home International Team Champions with Hilary McKenna.

Home International Individual Champion.

The Mid-England team triumphed in the intense heat and were awarded the medals plus the poignant Ribble Rebel Home International Trophy at this inaugural event. The trophy was donated by Hilary McKenna, in memory of The Ribble Rebel who sadly died at the 2003 European Rural Riders event in Belgium. The Mid-England team comprised Suzie Taylor riding Just Go Again, Charlotte Hurst and Singapore Sling, Georgina Harrison with Divine Intervention, Helen Wilkes riding Fair Deal II and team test commander Leigh-Ann Adams. Scotland took the individual honours with an impressive performance from Suzanne Lumgair and her 15.3hh gelding, Kinroyal.

Senior Open
The Open three-day event received much praise from competitors and although starting with record temperatures, concluded with the show jumping taking place during thunderstorms. The cross country course, designed by Simon Bere and built by Dave Thompson, provided an exciting challenge for the teams who had already triumphed over many other clubs in their respective areas to reach the championships. At the end of competition, Nidd Valley Riding Club could not be caught and took the Open title and the 'All four scores to count' silverware, along with vouchers from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and subscriptions to Horse & Hound magazine. The Nidd Valley squad were Rachel Mackie and Little Ruby, Kate Benson with Lucky Tigger, Emma Atkinson on Lucky Daisy May and Sue Cliff with Cut a Dash. Sue had a double celebration when she was also awarded the Carefree Memorial Trophy for the highest placed homebred horse, Cut a Dash.

Senior Open Team Champions, Nidd Valley RC.

The overall title went to Petra James and Last Tango from Tivyside Riding Club in Wales. Petra took home a beautiful double bridle donated by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, plus a rug from Horse & Hound Magazine.

Open Individual Champion Petra James with Wilf Price from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.

Senior Novice
Record entries were received for the Novice Horse Trials and this lengthy competition commenced on Saturday 9 August with the Novice Dressage and Show Jumping. The final result on the day saw Tivyside Riding Club from Wales take pole position with excellent performances from their fielded team, which enabled them to take home the 'All four scores to count' trophy as well. The team were Petra James and Cara, Judy Cordy with Tanyfoel Ishmael, Rebecca Morris riding Aberaeron Telynor Apt Tywysog and Dawn Hodson with Mystique.

Individual honours again went to Petra James this time riding Wendy Finucanes 12-year-old mare, Cara. Petra received a second superbly crafted bridle from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, plus a rug from Horse & Hound Magazine.

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