RIDERS from across the country flocked to Lincolnshire earlier this month for the British Riding Club’s NAF Five Star National Championships 2017.

This year saw a large increase in participation with more than 1,600 competitors taking part in a range of disciplines, covering dressage, riding test, show jumping and style jumping, with both senior and junior teams and individuals representing clubs from across the UK, who had previously qualified at area level.

There were several local team successes. Malton & District Riding Club came fourth in the senior riding test, third in the senior open dressage and eighth in the Open 80 show jumping.

Scarborough Riding Club came sixth in the senior 90 show jumping.

Melissa Newman, NAF brand manager, said: “These championships have been the most successful to date.

The riders, horses, volunteers and all those working on the championships are who make it.

“It was once again an amazing weekend full of club spirit and the sun came out too.

“We will look forward to seeing you for another amazing NAF Five Star British Riding Clubs National Championships in 2018.”

Following requests from members, BRC have introduced a number of new championship classes this year. With showjumping now starting at 70cms, this has enabled many true grassroots senior and junior riders to experience a Championship environment for the very first time.

A spokesman added: “Special thanks must also go to all the wonderful volunteers who have helped to make the BRC NAF Five Star National Championships 2017 such an incredibly successful weekend at Lincolnshire Show.

“We had more than 250 tremendous volunteers and officials who worked tirelessly over the duration of this event to ensure that everything ran to schedule.

“For a number of volunteers this was their very first time volunteering at a BRC Championship.”