AUTUMN weather marred this year’s Bishop Burton 2 Horse Trials last weekend, making it tough going for even the most experienced riders.

The challenging cross-country terrain caught out a few riders, but played to the strengths of others, including duos Music Man and Georgie Simpson, Curra Oko and Katie Corteen and Walter Tate, ridden by Amy Osborne.

Of the 300 riders, just 20 managed to complete the cross-country course within the optimum time, with soft ground making it hard going.

The showjumping arena also tested the competitors. A mix of combinations and tight corners made for a complex course, catching out a number of riders with faults incurred.

Despite the weekend’s challenges, it was cause for celebration for Katie Stephens-Grandy, a regular competitor at Bishop Burton. Katie, riding Trendy Magic Touch and Mr Music, both her own horses, stomped to victory in the BE100 Plus (Section D) and BE90 (Section K), jumping clear in the showjumping arena and finishing both cross country courses within the optimum time.

She said: "This weekend has been a fantastic experience and marks my seventh and eight wins of the season. It’s been tough going, but you couldn’t have asked for a better event. The organising committee has done so much to keep us riders safe this weekend, so on behalf of everyone here, I’d like to thank them for all their support.

“I love competing at Bishop Burton – it’s been a challenging event, but I’m really pleased with how we’ve performed this weekend.”

This year’s course was designed by Joe Weller of AJW Equestrian. Kim Knightley, Bishop Burton’s equine director, added: “I am very pleased that we were able to see all riders through to the very end.”