Novices shine in two-day horse trials

The National Schools and Riding Club competition was a true test of speed and stamina with each competitor completing five phases over two days.

Saturday saw the dressage and show jumping phases, with a 7k over roads and tracks, a 750m steeplechase course and 2.75k cross-country incorporating 30 fences making up Sunday.

There was strong district representation, with the Princethorpe and Kingsley team taking seventh overall and second in the ISA Novice class and the Southam School team placing sixth in the Open class.

In the Riding Club Novice Team competition, won by Solihull, Stoneleigh were fifth.

Chief organiser Andy Ruyssevelt said: “I would like to say a huge thank-you to all 95 stewards, judges and helpers who worked tirelessly to see that this event was a success.”