The last hurrah for cross country riders resounded around Kinnaird, Cupar, when the final contest for the autumn hunter trials season took place.
“Everyone really seemed to enjoy the day,” said organiser Lesley Howat. “The ground held up really well and there were some lovely clear rounds very close to the optimum times.”
With ‘learner fence’ options providing alternative routes to the more tricky tests, the start list proved a good mix of those looking for a last chance to try moving up a level before the end of the year, those hoping for a good confidence boost and those looking for an opportunity to bring inexperienced horses out before the winter.
“Some of the younger competitors were a joy to watch and it was great to see that the final prize list includes a mix of local competitors and those who have supported us from further afield,” commented Lesley.
“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the many volunteers who helped the day run smoothly. Their help is much appreciated.”
Returning to open level competition after almost a year on the sidelines, Hobo secured a win for Fife-based rider Joanna Heaton, who runs the backing, schooling and livery yard Natural Horsemanship at Thornbank, St Andrews.
“I have been so busy getting the yard up and running,” explained Jo after she took the red rosette with the 12-year-old coloured cob.
“Hobo has had quite a busy year babysitting young horses but he returned to competition at Gleneagles a couple of weeks ago and that was his first outing since the same competition a year previously.”
On that occasion, Jo and Hobo finished in second place.
Going one better at Kinnaird, Jo said it’s brilliant to see the 15.2hh gelding return on song.
“He is so honest and he really loves his jumping,” she explained.
They stopped the clock just six seconds over the optimum time to win the class a whole 28 seconds faster than his closest opponent.
“I hope to get him out much more again next year, but I already have some bookings for backing and schooling for the season ahead so I’m sure he will be kept busy with his day job too,” Jo added.
For the second year on the trot local rider Pollyanna Smith bagged the honours from the junior open section.
The were the only combination to successfully navigate the hunter trials course. Her winner this year was her 11-year-old 14hh Connemara gelding Cookie, which she has now owned for almost a year and which she shares with her mother Laura.
A Jack of all trades, Cookie has proved himself the ultimate all-round fun pony, which has a clear passion for his jumping.
The Dollar Academy pupil has now come full circle for the 2014 season after kicking off the year with an early win at the Fife Riding Club hunter trials event at Craigie.
Pollyanna and Cookie have focused upon working hunter classes this year achieving a sixth placing at the Royal Highland Show.
They also represented their pony club the Fife Hunt at interbranch, clocking up a cross country clear for the eventing team.
equestrian@thecourier.co.uk Results
Adult open: 1 Joanna Heaton, Hobo; 2 Thomas Carruthers, Pocheen Boy; 3 Mhairi Cameron, High Spirit. Junior open: 1 Pollyanna Smith, Cookie. Adult intermediate: 1 Stephanie Stevens, Sligo Little Wonder; 2 Michael McLaughlin, Mulroy Silver Diamond; 3 Laura Chaffe, Caldra Hills Hero. Junior intermediate: 1 Ella Farquharson, Minstrel; 2 Charley Clark, Skye Is The Limit; 3 (equal) Kate Dalglish, Mr McGregor and Ailsa Roberts, Craigieburn Heledd. Adult novice: 1 Claire Johnstone, Flo; 2 April Duffen, Annie; 3 Louise Jacques, Sir Rio. Junior novice: 1 Colette Swinley, Shiloh; 2 Tia Himpson, Sunny; 3 Ami Cadger, Kizzys Cadette. Junior novice (assisted): 1 (equal) Emily Smart, Flying Colours and Emily Oakden, Freddie; 3 Hannah Cordiner, Gingerbread Man.