SIDE-SADDLE riders from the Darlington area have returned from the Keyso national championships in Bedfordshire with a satisfying number of placings and rosettes.

Seven Area 2 members competed and two adults achieved a top six placing in the equitation championships, enabling them to move up to the next level.

Dawn Paterson now becomes an intermediate rider and Jane Forster an open rider.

All the team had an excellent time competing individually and in the dressage teams.

Samantha Davies said: "The family horse and pony class was also well represented by our area, which took third, fourth and fifth places, and I have to say our juniors gave our horses an excellent ride.

"We also entered the pairs with Vidal and Jezzabelle putting on a lovely show, despite only being ridden together a few times."

Anyone interested in learning more about side-saddle can contact the area secretary on 01740 620473.

Results. - Samantha Davies, Vidal: 3rd in the family pony, 4th in the pairs, 5th in the show hunter and part-bred MM classes.

Jane Forster, Keiman Sabrina: 1st in the pure MM, 4th in the family pony, 5th in the novice working hunter and intermediate equitation.

Dawn Paterson, Jezzabelle and Bournefield Zigourney: 1st in the small riding horse class, 3rd in restricted dressage, 3rd in the large riding horse, 5th in the novice equitation and novice working horse classes.

E Williams, Reno: 1st in the pony club pony class, 3rd in the restricted turnout, 4th in the non show pony and junior Concours D'elegance, 5th in the family pony and open fancy dress.

Laura Gray, Hoplaws Woodpecker Too: 2nd in the novice SHP and beginners jumping, 3rd in the Denys Gray young rider class, 4th in the show hunter, 6th in the pure MM and Jockey Cap Stakes.

Lisa Wild, Vidal: 4th in the ladies small hunter.

Sara Frank, Rosie and Rhingold Teardrop: 3rd in the beginners jumping, 4th in the novice WHP and junior Concourse D'Elegance, 5th in the non show pony class.