NORTHALLERTON rider Paul Barker was on top form in the grand prix at the recent Talk of the North.

Over David Cole's challenging course, Barker qualified all four of his rides for the seven-strong jump-off.

He was first away on Sunboy and, with a win already to their credit, was not too disappointed to finish with a rail down in a time which ultimately earned fifth place.

A quick change on to Blue Chip Kildalton Lad saw Barker take a commanding lead, setting a fast time after a tight turn back to a double of oxers.

He next rode Blue Chip Quinton, who pushed off a rail to take seventh spot.

The most serious challenge to Kildalton Lad came from Lee Williams on Calibra, but they finished just behind the North Yorkshire combination and were pushed down to third when Barker timed his final round to perfection on Faraway Hills.

Good win for Laura

NORTH Yorkshire rider Laura Hutchinson scored a fine victory to take the top Kitt Junior Discovery ticket at Westfield Park, Barnsley.

She was one of only seven to go clear in the 18-strong jump-off, producing a series of sharp turns to set the fastest time on Bowes Potland Lad.

Broadening horizons

RIDING instructors in the UK are being given the chance to learn about the horse industry in Europe.

The British Horse Society has been involved in the Leonardo programme exchange scheme for the past four years and has again applied for funding from Brussels.

Thirty lucky instructors will have the opportunity to spend two weeks in a country such as Germany, Holland, Sweden, Finland, France or Ireland, where they will study teaching techniques and approaches to horse riding, and the different systems of training.

To be eligible, applicants must be a registered instructor of BHS II status or above.

For further details contact Keith Beavan on 01926 707822 as soon as possible.

Call to ban abusers for life

THE International League for the Protection of Horses is calling for a lifetime ban on anyone convicted of cruelty.

It is writing to the Lord Chancellor in advance of a government Bill updating legislation protecting animals from ill-treatment, due to be published in draft form this spring.

The ILPH says if sentences follow the current pattern they may not prevent or even discourage horse abusers from re-offending.

Spokesman, Lynda Freebury, said: "In some tragic cases, the actual horse they have neglected or ill-treated is returned to them."

Course places still open

THE British Horse Society has a few places left on next week's stable manager's preparation course being held at the welfare centre in Oxhill, Warwickshire.

The course - on Monday and Tuesday - is open to students who intend to take their stable manager's examination some time in the future.

They will receive expert tuition on veterinary and practical aspects from Islay Auty.

It costs £95 for BHS and British Riding Club members and £120 for non-members.

For further information and to book, contact the training department on 08701 202244.