THE RAF Leeming Saddle Club, whose membership has grown dramatically in the past 18 months, have enjoyed a successful year.

The club, which initially had eight members in March 2003, now boasts 20, with riders competing at both station and RAF championship level.

The level of experience ranges from complete beginners to intermediate, with the team consisting of five riders - Flt Lt Andy Parker, Sgt Ali Fisher, Cpl Graeme Dooley, SAC Jude Targett and SAC Jane Douglas.

The team took part in the RAF Inter Station League, which consists of a series of one-day events comprising a dressage test and a show jumping course over the height of 2ft 9in.

The first event was held at home at Allenbrooke Barracks in Topcliffe, where the three-strong Leeming team took all three places against RAF Coltishall.

They were also successful in the second event, which was again at home against RAF Uxbridge.

The final area event was held at RAF Wittering, where the team of Ft Lt Parker, Cpl Dooley, SAC Targett and SAC Douglas produced a fine display, although Wittering edged the event by one point.

Preparation for this year's championship event stretched back some four months, with hours spent practising the dressage test, jumping cross-country and difficult show jumping fences.

The day started with the dressage test and all riders performed well in the show jumping.

Finally, the cross-country proved difficult for all competitors with fence heights in excess of 1m over a course of 1 miles, but RAF Leeming showed great spirit over the 20 gruelling fences.

Over the coming months, the club will be holding various charity events such as sponsored rides and riding for the disabled.

Team placings. - RAF Championship 2003: Team Combined Service 4th; Inter Station League 2004, Area 3: Winners, overall 3rd; RAF Championship 2004: Cpl Dooley 2nd in dressage, overall 7th after show jumping and cross-country.