Riders show all the right moves

The organisers of an annual charity dressage competition are celebrating after raising more than £6,000 for a spinal injuries charity.

Mr and Mrs Phil Newton of Hoveringham have, for the last eight years, organised a dressage competition at Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst campus, raising more than £40,000 for the Spinal Research Saddle Up campaign in the process.

Mrs Christine Newton said they were amateur riders themselves but were approached by the charity and asked if they could help.

She said the event had grown every year and for the last three years had been extended to a two-day competition.

Competitors ranged from experienced riders to children on Shetland ponies.

Mrs Newton said some local riders were so keen to compete they had ridden their horses and ponies to Brackenhurst because they did not have transport.

“Suffering a serious back injury and becoming paralysed is something everyone dreads,” she said.

“Nearly every rider knows someone who has suffered a spinal injury as a result of a riding accident.

“The money we have raised over the years has helped progress research to clinical trials, but they still need more.”

Mrs Newton said she was pleased the competition raised the profile of the charity but said it could not happen without volunteer helpers and sponsors, who had contributed £500.

The top raffle prize was a made-to-measure saddle donated by Jaguar Equestrian.

Mrs Newton said the competition was very close, and they were pleased that 18 youngsters aged 12 and under had competed in the younger riders’ sub-section.

Charlotte Jones of Walesby won the perpetual trophy for the highest scoring young rider of the weekend.

Mr Stuart Buntine of Shelford picked up two second place finishes. His wife, Mrs Anna Buntine, and their daughter Sophie Buntine, also picked up trophies. Lizzie Baugh (10) of Caunton was a winner in the junior section.

Results, class one, prelim ten winner: Anna Buntine; class one, prelim ten, young riders: Sophie Buntine; class two, prelim 12: Lorrie McGowan; class two, prelim 12 young riders: Lizzie Baugh; class three, novice 20: Ruth Hall; class four, novice 25: Neil Morrison; class five, prelim 18: Sally Melbourne; class five, prelim 18 young rider: Sophie Epton; class six, prelim 14: Zoe Zwawliw; class six, prelim 14 young riders: Charlotte Jones; class seven, novice 27: Sam York; class eight, novice 30: Sam York.