A YORKSHIRE equestrian centre has found its “Showjumper of the Year 2018”.

Port Royal Equestrian and Exhibition Centre at Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, near York, hosted its annual showjumping competition last weekend.

The junior category was won by Holly Clayden riding Jewel, with Jessica Winn on West Side Night Fall in second place and Lucy Whitehead riding Churchtown Martha in third.

The senior category was won by Stephanie Marshall on Maserati van de Zuurhaege, with Carlie Firth Williams on Nero in second place and Frankie Parker on China Blue in third.

Both Ms Clayden and Ms Marshall won £500 each.

The competition, sponsored by R&R Country, saw winners in both junior and senior categories competing for a total of £2,000 in prize money.

Michelle Bainbridge, managing director at Port Royal, said: “It was a tremendous success with an electric atmosphere. So many riders brought friends and family to support them so the spectator area was packed out and there was real tension and excitement right from the very first pony in the ring.

“There was such great attitude from all the riders and their supporters.”

The Port Royal competition is described as one of the most prestigious titles on the unaffiliated circuit.

Sponsor R&R Country is an equestrian and country store based at Hemingbrough, near Selby.

Ms Bainbridge said: “Thank you so much to R&R Country for their very kind support of the Show Jumper of the Year 2018.”

She added: “We’re very pleased to say they are back on board for next year, which is a tremendous boost for the sport in the local area.”