THE last in the series of unaffiliated dressage at Beckside Livery Stables, sponsored by Saracens Horse Feed, was held on Saturday.

Cara Shardlow, manager of the stables, said: "With gale force winds forecast, it was hit and miss whether it went ahead, but fortunately we were lucky and managed to run.

"The championship points were close in some classes, leaving a nail-biting finish for some, with fantastic prizes up for grabs."

The closest fought was the PYO (Pick your own) where competitors chose between a Novice or Elementary test. Vicci Smith, riding Laura Wooding's Cracker, was only one point ahead of Sally Walker going into the final - but she held her nerve to take the win, and the championship.

Ms Walker was not disappointed, though, as she took a championship win in the senior Prelim class at 73.13 per cent - 10 points above her nearest rivals.

Xavia Crossling held the lead the whole way through the junior Prelim series with eventer Shannondale Star, again finishing 10 points ahead of second place.

The Intro senior was won by Alice Smith and her four-year-old Copper Hall Molly. They were a new partnership this year.

Grace Hankin had an easy win in the Intro Juniors. She was the only under 14s in the class but rode a lovely test to gain her win.

Ms Shardlow added: "Thank you so much to Saracens Horse Feeds for their support, hope to see everyone again in the spring."