THE York and Ainsty South Hunt held its hunter trials in the beautiful surroundings of Escrick Park Estates, which ran over six miles of park and woodlands.

Sadly, there are very few hunter trials organised in our area, but on the plus side, for those that do run them, they are very well attended with competitors travelling from far and wide.

Hunter trials consist of, usually 18 to 24 rustic obstacles and hedges, and run over varying lengths of courses and heights, dependant on which class entered, and it is a great way for horse and rider to gain fitness and confidence. Many riders prefer show crosses and hunter trials as opposed to one-day events where they have to do a dressage test also, named jokingly as stressage to some.

The event was kindly sponsored by Trophy, Pet & Equestrian of Beverley, who donated prizes for the winners.

Imogen Locke and her pony Monty were the first winners of the day in the pre-novice pony section, beating Millie Redman with nearly 40 seconds in hand. The novice pony was won by Daisy Beaulah riding Pink Satin with just four seconds in hand from Charlotte Warner and Ben 10.

Cammi Brown and Galaxy had a faultless round with a quick time to narrowly beat Sarah Hampshire in second place. Kate Haw riding her useful coloured pony, Bud, stormed round to win with a five-second lead over Freya Kendrew and Sybil, who were the only two to venture over the bigger fences on ponies.

Results: Pre novice pony – 1 Imogen Locke & Monty, 2 Millie Redman & Milley, 3 Megan Wyke-Elliott & Bluebell, 4 Emily Dugan & Briardale Cleo, 5 Imogen Collinson & Bank View Show Girl, 6 Immi Croston & Simon.

Pre novice horse – 1 Imogen Collinson & Bank View Show Girl, 2 Tammy & Sky, 3 Duncan Clarke, 4 Jodie Archer & Sparko, 5 Eden Dugan & Irish Phantom.

Novice pony – 1 Daisy Beaulah & Pink Satin, 2 Charlotte Warner & Ben 10, 3 Megan Green & Dark Secret, 4 Hannah Gamble & Red Gap Lady Jane, 5 Emma Hairs & Mister Paddywhack, 6 Isabelle Hampshire & Boris.

Novice horse – 1 Cammi Brown & Galaxy, 2 Sarah Hampshire & Ballon Vela Isla, 3 Chloe Carnival & Dolly Mixture, 4 Tina Hudson & Solo, 5 Robyn Hale & Belladonna Doll, 6 Kate Hodgson & Cosmic.

Pairs – 1 Kate Shores-Dale & George and Lynne Green & Blarney, 2 Ruth Kendrew & Romeo and Freya Kendrew & Spirit, 3 Jodie Elliott & Anakin and Kate Haw & Bud, 4 Jodie Elliott & Nelly and Mia Haywood & Cloud, 6 Carly Webb & Magic and Maddsion Higgins & Helen.

Intermediate pony – 1 Kate Haw & Bud, 2 Freya Kendrew & Sybil.

Intermediate horse – 1 Jane Steers & Robyn, 2 Karen Duncan & Max, 3 Hannah Cayley & Jim, 4 Sarah Bisby & JJ Bob, 5 Melanie Cairns & Lynwood Warrior, 6 Diana Hodgson & Millie.