THE dressage season has kicked off at Beckside Livery Stables near Whitby with their first competition of the year.

There were intro, prelim and novice classes, with a junior section in the intro - this was won by Saffron Verrill.

Cara Shardlow, from the stables, said: “This was her first attempt at dressage and she rode a lovely test with a big smile the whole way round.”

Second in the juniors went to Rosie Shaw on Rummy.

The seniors was won by Kerry Belchamber riding her young Fresian horse Casper. They scored the highest score of the day 71.74 per cent.

The prelim and the novice classes were won by Katherine Rollinson with her Highland pony, according to Ms Shardlow, “back after a break from having her first baby and on flying form”.

Second place in the prelim went to Vicci Smith, with second place in the novice going to Jacqui Shipman.

Ms Shardlow added: “We had a lovely day, dry and still, perfect for the first competition of 2017.

“This was a warm up for the start of the Horslyx championship. This starts on March 25 going on into June.

“We are looking forward to the next one and it’s all to play for for the Horslyx championship. There are lovely prizes up for grabs; polo shirts, lick, holders, goodie bags and a trophy to keep - so get your entries in.”