Praise asfun showattractsever morehorse fans

BOTH the quality and the quantity of the entries for the horse section was praised by Linda Brudenell, chairman of the equine committee for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

“I can’t believe how much it’s grown in three years, “ said Mrs. Brudenell. “I think this section has really found its feet and is appealing to competitors both locally and from further afield.

“We try to keep it a fun show, it’s unaffiliated so everyone can have a go – the ethos is for people to come and enjoy themselves and achieve something.

“People like the friendly atmosphere – it’s a sort of half-term party for all concerned. An added bonus this year has been the search for a talented show- jumper competition with Graham and Tina Fletcher. This was over-subscribed and we had more than 40 entries and we have a big waiting list of hopefuls for next year.”

Following the well-supported mountain and moorland classes, the ridden mountain and moorland championship went to Norma and Ian Thompson’s seven-year-old Dales mare, Manorian Mischief, ridden by Rachael Dunn.

They have qualified the mare for Olympia and decided to compete at Countryside Live this year for the first time.

“We’ll definitely be back,” said a delighted Mrs. Thompson who is based in Durham.

Reserve was 10-year-old David Holt from Levisham riding the family’s Welsh section A pony, Rambo.

It turned out to be a good weekend for David who went on to win the mountain and moorland first ridden class (not exceeding 12hh) and took the mini-championship, following up on his success in this last year. The pony is home produced and David enjoys hacking out on the North Yorkshire moors and hunting.

The mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship went to Jackie Stockdale of Easingwold’s Dartmoor pony, Micklehill Apzara, ridden by Harriet Etchells. The pair won the same championship at Countryside Live three years ago. Reserve was Skyline Ranger from Appleby, Cumbria.

Jade Hind from Middlesbrough was smiling broadly when she left the arena after taking the ridden coloured horse or pony championship with her 16-year-old mare Diamond Onyx for the third year running.

“She loves the crowd and she loves competing,” said Jade after their victory gallop.

Reserve went to Hannah Wyslych from Dronfield, Derbyshire and her gelding Harvey.

The award for working hunter pony champion went to 12-year-old Olivia Lyall from Whitby with her Welsh section B pony, Heslington Goody Tiptoes. Reserve was Beth Driver, 12, from Glossop riding Popstar.

Comment: Page 12.