RELENTLESS hot weather and challenging ground conditions didn’t keep South West event riders away from DS Smith Launceston Horse Trials on Sunday, July 22.

Organised by Andy and Kathryn Reeve of St Leonards Equestrian Centre at Polson, and with the help of their team, conditions were described as perfect before the start, with Andy saying:?“We have all worked extremely hard in the run up to this event to not only aggravate the ground but also to water the XC tracks where possible, the welfare of our competitors’ horses is our top priority.”

This year proved again a great day out for the whole family, from an inflatable assault course to candy floss and great viewing of the showjumping and XC with locally made ice cream from Gerry’s Original.

North Cornwall-based rider, Sue Proudfoot, riding her own Drayford Charisma, was thrilled to pick up a win at their first ever British Equestrian event finishing with just 0.8 time penalties added to her very impressive dressage score of 23.8.

Michelle Northmore secured a fantastic win in section A of the BE 90, finishing on a score of 22.50. Michelle competed on her horse ‘Fairways Lord of the Rings’ earlier in the year at the BE90 Mitsubishi Motors Cup championships where they finished 19th out of 120 competitors.

Reflecting on the event, she said: “What a great win, the course was tip top after a long spell of dry weather the organisers did an amazing job of watering and it was so friendly. This is my local event I am only 35 miles away in Newton Ferrers and king the horse did an amazing job in the dressage with a 20.5 and then he was ‘Mr Reliable’ with a great double clear. I am so lucky to be able to ride such a fabulous little horse that we homebred.”

As well as the grassroot riders, Launceston also saw the professionals compete. Olympic rider Padraig McCarthy picked up a win in the BE100 open.

Cullompton-based sisters Janou and Althea Bleekman also took top honours and second place in the BE90 and BE100 sections respectively.

Next year’s confirmed date is Sunday, July 21.

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