NORTH Ryedale Riding Club has won another coveted national championship title.

The club’s junior team travelled down to Aston-le-Walls Equestrian Centre in Daventry in Northamptonshire at the weekend to compete in the BRC’s Festival of the Horse Championships.

The 90cm Show Cross Challenge team of Charlotte Blenkin on Hillside Monet, Hannah Marley on Cave Star, Erin Smith on Callista and Jess Earp on April Breeze won the championship title, while also taking the title for highest scoring Team of Four - where every riders score counts.

Team members Charlotte Blenkin and Hannah Marley were also individually placed second and fourth in Sunday’s class which had more than 60 competitors from leading clubs in the country.

Michaela Smith, the club’s group secretary, said: “All the girls were amazing, supporting and encouraging each other, and we are very proud of them.

“It’s a great achievement to even qualify, and a privilege to represent both the club and our BRC Area.

“To win again at a championships is fantastic for such a small club.

“Team Chef d’equipe Ann Sibsey said she was proud of the team spirit the girls showed and congratulated them on how well they had all ridden.”

The team’s result followed the success of individual team member 10-year-old Ruby Thompson, on Castle Quarter Tottie, who competed on Saturday in the 85cm class Combined Training Championship.

She came fifth overall, again against strong competition.

The North Ryedale Riding Club’s victories in the competition follow on from their successful win at the winter showjumping championships seven weeks ago. Rosettes and sashes were presented by Lisa Gilby, Nick Mackley and Amelia Kerr from sponsors Horslyx.

Lisa Gilby said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend of competition and we’ve met a lot of very happy competitors. It’s been a privilege to sponsor again this year.”

Rachael Hollely-Thompson, BRC manager, said: “What a fabulous weekend with more entries than ever before.

“A huge thanks to our many volunteers.”