Claire Dillon wins her first ever rosette and its a red one Photo: Equitog

The Laurel View Riding School Christmas Show is a very popular annual event. The 2013 show on Saturday 21st December was no exception with a record breaking seventeen teams turning out in fine form for a fantastic day of festive fun and show jumping.

The mulled drinks were flowing and the mince pies nicely warmed. Snowmen and Santa’s stood guard at jumps, meanwhile Santa’s little helpers aided those with navigational issues. The crowd of supporters and non-jumpers urged on the riders.

Teams of four members jumped a combo of cross poles, 50cm, 70cm and 80cm, clear rounds as ever being the priority, after that it was speed that sorted the team positions.

Taking the top team spot was Claire Dillon, Sharka Gerhardus, Seaneen Keenan and Katie McDonnell riding Blue, Peggy and Tinker by two of the team! Go Tinker!

“Tinker” and Sharka Gerhardus help the top team earn its place Photo Equi-tog

Katie and a different steed, Sky, ranked in the second place team as well, along with Diane Sefton on Bridget, Emily Elliott on Rab and Kirsty Marsden on Marvin.

After the Equi-Tog camera had captured the action and once the appropriately festive prizes were presented, the competitors headed home and the riding school horses and ponies started their well-deserved Christmas break.

Katie McDonnell and Tinker do their festive best: Photo by Equi-tog

To find out more about joining Laurel View Riding School as a student give the office a ring on 028 9083 0649 or find out more on the riding lessons page of www.laurelview.co.uk

Riding School Show Results

1st team
Claire Dillon, Blue; Seaneen Keenan, Peggy; Sharka Gerhardus, Tinker; Katie McDonnell, Tinker.

Peggy and Seaneen Keenan play their part in the winning team Photo Equi-tog

2nd team
Katie McDonnell, Sky; Diane Sefton, Bridget; Emily Elliott, Rab; Kirsty Marsden, Marvin.

3rd team
Simon Wylie, V; Heather McGarvie, Tally; Katie McClay, Penny; Claire Gilchrist, Sly.

4th team
Toni McKittrick, Keady; Vicki Marsden, Lily; Lorraine Terak, Tinker; Kirsty Marsden, Chester.

5th team
Roberta Bradbury, Molly; Emma McWilliams, Misty; Connie Jordan, Blue; Ali Larkham, Lexie.

6th team
Paul Duffy, Tally; Lucy McMahon-Beattie, Roly; Katie Clarke, Silver; Edana Butler, Bella.

High Jump
Joint 1st Michael Healy, Shannagh and Claire Gilchrist, Sly; 3rd Kirsty Marsden, Marvin; 4th Simon Wylie, Cindy; 5th Katie McDonnell, Tinker; 6th Alison Larkham, Lexie; 7th Joel Clemments, Kate.