FRIARS Hill stables, in Sinnington, has certainly been busy over the last couple of weeks running a British Horse Society (BHS) National Ridings Schools qualifier, a monthly showjumping competition and Little Leagues competition.

A qualifier was also held for the BHS’ National Riding Schools Competition for 12 years and under, 13 to 17 years and 18 years and over.

The competitors each had to ride a dressage test, complete a short quiz and then jump a course of show jumps.

Judge Thelma Else had her work cut out with the dressage phase with the combinations being of such a high standard.

On completion of all three phases from each category, the rosettes were awarded with all three places from each category qualifying for the BHS’ national riding schools championships at Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire, in April.

The results were: 12 years and Under – 1 Chloe Gamble, 2 Charlotte Hutchinson, 3 Charlotte Beal; 13-17 years – 1 Fiona Hardman, 2 GraceMitchell, 3 Amy Newman; 18 years and above – 1 Rebecca Champion, 2 Sandra Thurlow, 3 Fiona Hill.

Friars Hill also ran their monthly showjumping contest with a large turnout of competitors.

Jody Salton riding Molly could not be caught in the jump-off for the 55cms, showing a clean set of heels with a speedy time to win the class.

Emily Newman, riding the Comet, kept up his clean score sheet to easily win the 65cms. Isobel Baldwin, riding Shadow, and Jake Noble on Nala also went clear and with quick times in the jump-offs for the 75 and 85cms respectively to each win their classes.

The results were:

55cms – 1 Jody Salton & Molly, 2 Bex Anfield & Jimmy, 3 Alfie Leat-Smith & Winnie, 4 Charlotte Hutchinson & Daisy, 5 Jeanette Fitzgerald & Lulu; 65cms – 1 Emily Newman & Comet, 2 Fiona Hardman & Buster, 3 Michaela Smith & Mouse, 4 Nicole Gallagher & Spring, 5 Lily Spencer & Zephyr, 6 Hannah Nichol & Splash; 75cms – 1 Isobel Baldwin & Shadow, 2 Nicole Gallagher & Buster, 3 Fiona Hardman & Buster, 4 Jake Noble & Nala, 5 Emily Newman & Comet; 85cms – 1 Jake Noble & Nala, 2 Robyn Welford & Abbie, 3 Isobel Baldwin & Shadow, 4 Rebecca Champion & Grey, 5 Hannah Nichol & Spalsh, 6 Ellie Greyson & Murphy.

The Little Leagues competition which Friars Hill have been running over the past few months, was designed in order to cater for the children who are not out competing yet and want to have a go but in a friendly, less competitive environment.

The children were divided into two groups according to their age and ability, six competitions were held and the children competed in dressage, showjumping, games, handy pony and an obstacle course. It was a big success and all the children went home with rosettes, medals and the Champions of each group were awarded sashes.

The results were:

Little Little Leagues –1 Dylan McLane, 2 Lucy Farnell, 3 Lauren Harris, 4 Faith Thatcher, 5 Freddie Richardson; Larger Little Leagues – 1 Alfie Leat-Smith, 2 Alice Langdale, 3 Harvey Brackley, 4 Libby Bailey, 5 William Richardson.

Friars Hill’s last dressage competition of the winter series takes place on Sunday.