JUMP TO IT: Sophie McDearmid, Penny Thompson, Caroline Clayton and Becky Hill, who finished second at the intermediate championships
JUMP TO IT: Sophie McDearmid, Penny Thompson, Caroline Clayton and Becky Hill, who finished second at the intermediate championships

DARLINGTON & DISTRICT RIDING CLUB

DURING the winter months teams from the club qualified for the Intermediate Show Jumping Championships and for the Eventers Challenge.

The club was well represented at the Intermediate Show Jumping Championships, held at Bury Farm, Buckinghamshire, in May, with three teams making the journey.

In the 100cm event, Caroline Clayton, Becky Hill, Sophie McDearmid and Penny Thompson were placed second, while Becky Hill picked up second place in the individual competition.

The team which competed in the 90cm event came in seventh.

In the 110cm competition, the Darlington Riding Club team was forced to become an Area 2 team when Elaine Wormwell joined the squad.

The club then had teams qualify for the Eventers Challenge, held at Aston le Walls, Northampton, also in May.

The team taking part in the 100cm event won this competition last year.

Unfortunately, this time round the team lost their pathfinder, Emma Gibbon, who suffered a crashing fall at Richmond Horse Trials earlier in the month resulting in a broken collarbone.

So a new squad was formed, making it an Area 2 team consisting of Jill Horseman, Becky Hill, Penny Thompson and Charlie Flood (Three Valleys Riding Club).

They took the honours, with Jill Horseman coming third individually.

The team also won the trophy for all four scores to count.

The 90cm team came eighth, with Beth Ostle jumping to second place in the individual event.

The club has various forthcoming events to raise money for The Great North Air Ambulance, a charity close to all riders’ hearts.

On Sunday, July 8, there will be show cross at Great Burdon Farm, Darlington, with classes in 60cm, 70cm, 80cm and 90cm.

The Annual Raby Ride will take place in October with the date to be confirmed.

For further details of the above events check the cub’s website.

Darlington & District Riding Club recently handed a cheque for £1,500 to The Great North Air Ambulance, with money raised at various events during the last year.