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Accidents fail to stop Heather competing once again
When Heather Bennett broke her neck in a showjumping accident seven years ago, she did not think she would ever be able to compete again.
It was touch and go as to whether she would be able to ride, but Heather was determined and last year she got back on a horse only for disaster to strike again when the horse fell and Heather suffered a broken leg.
"Everyone says I am crackers, but I have had horses all my life and I didn't feel like giving up," said Heather who lives near Howden where she runs a small stud and breeds and produces show jumpers.
A very successful showjumper before her accident, Heather is now back on winning form as a para rider and has just won a series of competitions in France.
Heather competed on two horses, her own 16.2h chestnut Uptown and Pair de Beauchamps, a six-year-old gelding which belongs to Judy Dodd from Walkeringham near Doncaster.
At the first two-day show near Paris she took first and second places on both days and won the championship. At the next event at La Baule, an international show for para riders, she again gained first and second places on both days.
"It had gone so well that on the way back we went to a para show at Vimory where we got similar placings again and also won the championship. We are on a high at the moment," added Heather.
Her accident left her with no feeling in her legs, not much grip in her hands and lack of movement in her neck. She is thrilled to be jumping up to 120cms which would be a test for many able-bodied riders.
"I would love to be able to compete more, particularly in France where I am now at the top of their para league after competing in the three shows," she added. "But it is all self-funded so I don't think I'll be able to do it without some sponsorship."
Heather is hoping that para showjumping will take off more in this country now that the BSJA has taken it under its wing and that it will eventually become an Olympic sport.
Any para riders interested in showjumping can contact her on 07733 038043 .
Hobday sends right signals at Bishop Burton
Over 700 competitors took part in Bishop Burton College Horse Trials, held on one of the hottest weekends of the year.
The Open Intermediate was won by Lancashire's Ben Hobday with a penalty of 47.00 riding the 10-year-old gelding Just Morse owned by Laura Grieve. He also took the BE100 Section M on Tulla Road with a score of 32.00 and came 10th in Novice Section E with Cariba 15.
North Yorkshire rider Nicola Wilson won Novice Section D with a penalty of 34.00 riding Inde.
So far the pair, in their first season together, have been placed at Oasby, Moreton Morrell and Floors Castle.
She also came third in Intermediate Section F on her own eight-year-old mare Goulton Eugenie.
Louth-based rider Paul Burgess took firsts in BE100 sections A and B on Jet Curtis and Freda Curtis owned by Edward and Robert Nicholson who also own Badminton winner Flint Curtis, ridden by Oliver Townend.
Winners – Intermediate section F: Rebecca Crosbie-Starling on Chance Remark. Intermediate Section G: Gemma Hoare on Nethertowns Valentine. Open Intermediate Section H: Ben Hobday on Just Morse. Novice Section D: Nicola Wilson on Inde. Novice Section E: Beth Connell on Poppyline. BE100 Section A: Paul Burgess on Jet Curtis. BE100 B: Paul Burgess on Freda Curtis. BE100 C: Angela Parkin on Arko. BE100 I: Lucy Hawley on Zedea. BE100 M: Ben Hobday on Tulla Road. BE100 N: Becky Bayliss on Pie Eyed Piper. BE100 O: Alex Hill on Just Boo.
BE90 Section I: Christopher Whittle on First Edition. BE90 J: Natalie Noble on Orange Lad. BE90 K: Anthony Turnbull on Diluvio. BE90 L: Charlotte Ridley on Lucy Diamond II.
Fashion-friendly times for Ripon
Ripon racecourse, known as Yorkshire's 'garden racecourse', hosts its annual Ladies' Day on June 18 when the fashion conscious will be out in force.
Judges, including the Yorkshire Post's Stephanie Smith and former Emmerdale actress Claire King, will be awarding prizes to the best dressed lady and also the wearer of the best hat.
As well as the racing, there will be fashion shows during the afternoon featuring collections from Lynx of Harrogate and from budding young designers at Harrogate College.
The course opens at noon so there's plenty of time
for a champagne lunch before the racing begins at 2.10pm. For more information, go to www.ripon-races.co.uk.
Four Yorkshire polo teams will be competing for the Summit Cup at the White Rose Polo Club next weekend.
The event is the White Rose club's flagship tournament and is held at Townend Farm at North Cliffe, near Market Weighton. The four teams are Summit (sponsors of the event), Toulston, Beverley and White Rose. Spectators are welcome and admission costs 15 per car.
On Sunday the VIP marquee will be open to the public where refreshments will be available. On Saturday night, there's a Wild, Wild West-themed fancy dress party with tickets at 50 each. For more information, call 01430 875767.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Friday 25 May 2012
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