Holderness Hoppers clinch place in British final after Rachel proves star in jump-off

Two teams went from Area 15a (East Yorkshire and Humberside) with their trainer Anne Fearnall to defend the title they won last year, so the pressure was on.

Each team member had to jump two rounds at their nominated height, which ranged from 1m to 1.25m.

After the first round The Tykes from Area 15a, comprising Tracey Clarkson, Fran Fowler, Kate Betteridge and Hayley McCaie, were on eight faults and the other team, The Holderness Hoppers – Craig Bolton, Becky Woolhouse, Jack Drewery and Rachel Williams – finished on a zero score.

Both teams finished on zero in the second part of the the competition but because The Tykes team already had eight faults they were out of the running for a qualifying place.

As one of the Cheshire teams had also finished on a zero score, there was a jump-off between Area 15a’s Rachel Williams and a Cheshire team member over a course of 1.30m-plus.The Cheshire rider had a fence down and Rachel went clear to clinch the win.

Area 15a’s team will take part in the final which will be held at the Cushionbed British Showjumping Scope Show in September.

The winning team members will be warming up for the final at the Area 15a Championship Show to be held in East Park, Hull on August 14.

FIVE pairs of Yorkshire riders took part in a mounted games display at Otley Show at the weekend for the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain.

The winners put on a great show of speed, agility and co-ordination.

The winning pair were sisters Emma, 17, and Faye, 15, Holgate from Briestfield, Dewsbury riding Mojo and Connie.

After two sessions of games, they won with a score of 106 points – some 34 points ahead of their nearest rivals. Both are members of the Badsworth Hunt Pony Club and were on the Pony Club mounted games teams that went to the Horse of the Year Show in 2008 and 2010.

Also competing were: Tess and Peter Downes, from Emley, second on 72 points; Beth Clayton, from Castleford, and Lucy Hudson, from Garforth, third on 61 points; Sam Clements, from Scholes, and Daisy Gee-Sanders, from Scissett, fourth on 49 points and Susie Greensitt, from Wakefield, and Amy Taylor, from Knottingley, fifth on 42 points.

All the riders are current or past members of the Badsworth Hunt, Rockwood Harriers and Bramham Moor Pony Clubs.

THE sport of TREC is proving to be increasingly popular and a competition held in the grounds of the Frickley Hall estate, near Doncaster attracted a large entry.

The event was aimed particularly at first-timers but was open to all with 17 pairs and seven individuals taking part.

Denise Aghanian, who was judging a TREC competition for the first time, said: “Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves whilst still maintaining a competitive edge. There was a vast display of horse breeds, ranging from 12hh up to 16.2hh and above, as well as competitors. This type of competition clearly appeals to all riders.

“There were many first-timers but there were also very advanced riders who were riding youngsters. I would certainly encourage anyone to have a go.”

The individual competition was won by Paula Wroath on Maverick; Nicky Bunting, on Sampson, was second and third went to Gemma Whyles, on Blaze.

In the pairs section, Fiona Thurnell, on Boston Ballet Blonde, and Gillian Clarke, on Ballylynch Silver Dollar, were first. Second were Jane Kirby, on Coperan Castle, and Andy Chappell, on Midi. Sue Pagliaro, on Beaver, and Peta Ackerley, on Sahsa, were third.

A cheque for £3,600 was presented to Mark Perry, regional officer of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance at the Championship Showjumping Show held at Sykehouse Arena.

Over the past 12 months, first-aid contributions have been collected from competitions at all the events held there. Christine Ruane, a St John Ambulance trained first-aider, undertakes most of the duties at Sykehouse events and had chosen the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as one of her charities. The children’s charity, Embrace, will also receive £1,000.