THE Bishop Burton BUC's equine team finished 2016 on a high by winning two challenges on the trot.

The BUCs - British Universities and Colleges - college team, led by equine academy coach Hannah Ward, took home team and individual awards at the latest two competitions; the first at Askham Bryan College, and the second on home ground at Bishop Burton.

Comprising both showjumping and dressage disciplines, the BUC's programme is unique in equestrianism as all riders must compete on borrowed horses.

The students, all equine academy scholars, take part in the competition using college horses, meaning horse and rider need to develop a bond quickly.

The BUCs equestrian programme expects riders to compete in both dressage and showjumping, with the combined scores making up the final result.

In the Askham Bryan-hosted competition, the Bishop Burton team came first with just 38 penalties. The team's closest rival, Askham Bryan, accrued 92 penalties to take second place.

Back on home soil, the team again secured first place team placing. This team, comprising Abi Hope, Lidija Draculic, Tara McDaid-Sly, Ellie Stephenson and Tara Hector as reserve rider, delivered winning footwork and form to secure a comfortable win on the day.

Jeanette Dawson, principal of Bishop Burton College, said: "I’m thrilled with the performance of our BUC's equestrian team. They are performing brilliantly and it's testament to their hard work and dedication out of school hours to prepare for these competitions.

"I never underestimate the skill needed in dressage and showjumping so to be doing so well at such an early stage in the season is a wonderful achievement."

More than 160 teams take part in the BUC's equestrian competition with first teams taking part in the championship and second, third and fourth teams in the trophy. The mini-league winners compete in regional finals and those winners go onto the national finals.