Video: The best of Countryside Live

THIS weekend's new 'X Factor' style show-jumping competition at the Countryside Live event, Harrogate looks set to be entertaining as well as providing useful advice for up-and-coming riders.

Hosted by Graham and Tina Fletcher, the competition will involve around 40 riders being put through their paces by the husband and wife team, as they whittle down the numbers to around six for the final.

The competition will take place under cover in the Equine Hall at the Great Yorkshire Show ground. "We've had a great response to the competition and it will be a super addition to the show's equine programme," said Graham.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We're not looking for the best horse, but at the rider's potential. We are planning to have initial heats with around 15 in each, whittle that down to around six and they'll go through to the final.

"And we'd like the audience to get involved and cheer on the riders. I'll be giving a commentary and as with all judging, there will be some people who agree with us and some who don't but it all adds to the atmosphere."

As well as gaining experience of riding in front of a crowd, all the competitors will be able to benefit from the hints and advice that Tina and Graham will give.

The winner will receive 300 in prize money and the chance to spend two days at the Fletchers' yard in Oxfordshire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

EVENT rider Fran Reeve, 16, finished the season on a high note when she was placed third at the Junior Regional Novice Championships at Weston Park International in Shropshire.

The Wetherby rider was among the 10 competitors from the northern region selected to go to the Championships, a CCI one-star event, after qualifying at a number of events.

Fran, riding McArdles Bullett, finished on her dressage score of 41.4. "He's a novice horse and we were so pleased with him as it's his first full season eventing," said Fran's mother, Kim. The horse is owned by Leanne Heslop, from York.

The Championships were won by the South-Eastern region. "It was one of the most competitive KBIS JRN Championships for some time," said Jane Peters, chairman of the regional co-ordinators. "There were some really quality horses and excellent, mature riding performances from outstanding JRN competitors."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

SOPHIE PLATT, 16, had an excellent day at the Bishop Burton College horse trials when she had firsts with her two home-produced mares. Killbritain Princess, a 16-year-old chestnut, took first place in the Novice with a score of 41.3 and Sophie was named best Yorkshire rider, and BE BE III, a six-year-old bay, won the BE 100 with a score of 39.6.

A member of Badsworth and Bramham Moor Hunt Pony Club, Sophie also rides side saddle. She and BE BE have started competing on the senior circuit and had top-placings which qualified them for the National Side Saddle Championships, where they won the Classical Ladies final and were placed third in the Large Riding Horse class.

Related topics: