NORTH Ryedale Riding Club had a “tremendous” result on Sunday when their Junior Novice Show Jumping team were crowned national champions.

Following their successful qualification back in late February, the team travelled down to Keysoe in Bedfordshire to compete in the British Riding Club’s Winter Novice Championships.

A club spokesperson said that the team, consisting of Jess Earp riding Tamsin II, Erin Smith riding Callista, Amy Hayhurst riding Nagneta Rouge and Ruby Thompson riding Castle Quarter Tottie were “understandably nervous, as most had never competed at such a prestigious competition before”.

The spokesperson went on: “Setting nerves aside however, the whole team rode incredible rounds to emerge clearly in the lead at the half way stage.

“This only added to the pressure going into the second half of the competition.

“The girls all kept their cool as tensions rose until the outcome rested on the shoulders of their final rider, Jess on Tamsin.

“Neither pony or rider cracked as they pulled an amazing clear out of the bag, leaving the team in an unbeatable position, even before the competition had concluded.

“Chef d’Equipe ‘Aunty’ Ann Sibsey was delighted for the girls and congratulated them not only their outstanding result, but also on how brilliantly they had represented themselves and their club throughout all aspects of the competition.”

Solihull Riding Club came in second place with Clydach Riding Club ending in third.

The KBIS Novice Winter Championships, held at the College Equestrian Centre in Keysoe in Bedfordshire, is open to both teams and individuals. However the show jumping is a team event only. Both allow junior and senior competitors who compete over two separate days.