RECORD numbers of disabled horse riders have turned out for the Riding for the Disabled Association's Unicorn Centre Summer Show.

Fifty-three people who ride at the Hemlington Centre entered many of the classes, including best turned-out, dressage, jumping and fancy dress, and produced their best ever results.

In most classes, they competed on equal terms alongside able-bodied riders from across Teesside.

Yard manager and senior instructor Heidi Hutchinson said: "It has been a fantastic day, and everyone is quite exhausted after all the excitement. The riders love competing on level terms and proving their ability.

"All the practising over the last few weeks has paid off.

"Many of the riders and volunteers spent hours grooming the ponies to make them look extra special."

The show, which has been held for the past eight years to raise funds for the centre, was the most successful so far, raising more than £2,400 through entries and sponsorship.

Volunteers from the Abbey Charitable Trust helped at the shows, and the trust promised to match funds raised on the day.

The centre's next show will be the Autumn Showjumping and Dressage Show on Sunday, September 18, which will start a monthly series with a points championship concluding at the Spring Show in April.

For information and schedules for the Autumn Show, call (01642) 576222 or visit www.communigate. co.uk/ne/unicorn