THE sun shone on the Halesworth and District Riding Club (HDRC) last weekend. Not only did Suffolk's newest riding club hold its biggest dressage show to date but its hoof-perfect novice show jumping team also qualified for the national Riding Club finals.

THE sun shone on the Halesworth and District Riding Club (HDRC) last weekend. Not only did Suffolk's newest riding club hold its biggest dressage show to date but its hoof-perfect novice show jumping team also qualified for the national Riding Club finals.

The club's inaugural show of the 2010 season, held at Phoenix Equestrian Centre in Spexhall on Saturday, April24, drew a total of 56 entries across seven classes, ranging from an introductory walk and trot test to Elementary level. The club's junior members stole the day, with Liam Brinkley and Eleanor Morley taking first and second in both junior sections in a very close matched competition, and also gaining the highest per cent scores over the whole day.

The intro class was well-supported with several young and inexperienced horses all behaving impeccably. Melissa Dougal and Nutmeg took first place, Roz Basey-Fisher, who was celebrating her birthday took second on Molly and Liz Fosdike and Painted Lady finished third.

Prelim Four was won by Jasper ridden by Yvonne Proctor, while Prelim 10 was won by admirable veteran Lucy Lastik, ridden by Pauline Wilton, who was so pleased with her success that she gave someone else a chance in the Novice! Linda Reed riding Cor de Karma was a very close second with only a collective point to split the two.

Stephanie Askew and Roison had an astounding day winning both Novice sections and going on to share the lead with Sophy Whatley and Imperious Spirit in novice 20. To conclude, the elementary test resulted in a win for Jackie Lambert and Golden Admiral.

The following day the club put its first ever team forward for the Area 14 novice show jumping competition, held at Worlington Riding Club near Newmarket. Toni Allin, Mel Holloway, Margaret Guterres and Laura Mann pulled out all the stops to jump three double clears, clinching a well-deserved win and qualification for the national finals to be held in Lincolnshire this September. Margaret Guterres also had the accolade of winning the class.

HDRC's chef d'equipe Karen Plant said: “The club is only a year old and this is the first time we have put forward a show jumping team for an area competition. We had a good training session last week and thought we may possibly be in with a chance of being placed but we were totally bowled over and absolutely delighted to win!”

The HDRC is a friendly and welcoming club that caters for all abilities from serious team players to those seeking some nurturing and fun. Membership costs just �18 for the year. For further information contact the membership secretary on 01986 873810, email hdrc09@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.horsedates.co.uk to download schedules.