‘WE WAITED THREE HOURS FOR THE TYRE MAN’

LAST year’s junior team showjumping champions overcame transport problems to win again.

The North Ryedale Riding Club were the only team to finish on a score of four after two rounds, but disaster struck for a couple of their members when their horsebox suffered a blowout en route.

“We were about 30 minutes from our stabling last night when I heard this huge bang,” explained Ann Sibsey, the team manager. “We hoped to arrive at 6pm, but we had to wait three hours for the tyre man to arrive. Thankfully another member, who had already arrived, came to collect the ponies and kept my food warm in the pub.”

The team of Amy Hayhurst (Nagneta Rouge), Erin Louise Smith (Callista), Ruby Lilley Thompson

(Glory Days) and Tilly Alice Marley

(Rathbrennan Buachaill) have “tried not to overjump” their ponies in preparation, said Ann. “They are a great bunch and I’m really proud. Winning was the icing on the cake,” she said.