TWO Irish DraughtxTB horses have tied for the honours at the end of the Hemlington Unicorn Centre's winter series.

Fifteen-year-old Liam Gamble from Leven Park, Yarm, rode 11-year-old Jaywalker to success, taking first place in the Dodson and Horrell Championship and tying with Caroline Mann of West Rounton, Northallerton in the points championship.

Liam's family bought his horse, affectionately known as Mouse, for hacking out before discovering it was a good all-rounder.

Liam has been riding since he was 11, but only started competing a year ago when he decided to improve his dressage in preparation for this year's eventing season.

Following his unexpected success, he has reached affiliated status already.

Caroline Mann is a veteran rider who bred her 17-year-old partner, Magic.

"She is very special because I bred and broke her and was there when she was born," she said.

"She has won a lot of competitions in her time but has started having trouble with her feet and is about to be retired.

"We might do the odd little riding club event, but as soon as the ground goes hard she gets lame."

She added: "The points championship was in doubt right up to the last minute. I didn't think we were going to get it until Magic won the last competition."

Magic does have a daughter to follow in her footsteps, three-year-old home-bred Madewell Molly.

Becky Rogerson on Hume's Law was second in the Dodson and Horrell championship with Sara Guthrie on Wexford Lad third. Becky was also third in the points championship.

Results of the final round of the winter dressage series on March 25. - Class 1: 1 Rebekah Reay; 2 Liam Gamble; 3 Liz Stephenson. Class 2 Dodson and Horrell: 1 Rebekah Reay; 2 Sarah Guthrie; 3 Becky Rogerson. Points championship: 1 Caroline Mann; 2 Becky Rogerson; 3 Sarah Guthrie.