Hayley GibbsHalesworth and District Riding Club had a weekend to remember when their biggest dressage show to date was followed by success for their hoof-perfect novice showjumping team to qualify for the national Riding Club finals.Hayley Gibbs

Halesworth and District Riding Club had a weekend to remember when their biggest dressage show to date was followed by success for their hoof-perfect novice showjumping team to qualify for the national Riding Club finals.

The club's first show of the season, held at Phoenix Equestrian Centre in Spexhall, drew a total of 56 entries across seven classes, ranging from an introductory walk and trot test to Elementary level.

But it was their younger members who stole the day as Liam Brinkley and Eleanor Morley took first and second in both junior sections in a very close matched competition, also gaining the highest per centage scores over the day.

The intro class was well-supported with several young and inexperienced horses all behaving impeccably. Melissa Dougal and Nutmeg took first place, birthday girl Roz Basey-Fisher was second on Molly and Liz Fosdike and Painted Lady finished third.

Prelim 4 was won by Jasper, ridden by Yvonne Proctor, while Prelim 10 was won by admirable veteran Lucy Lastik, ridden by Pauline Wilton. Linda Reed, riding Cor de Karma, was a close second with only a collective point to split the two.

Stephanie Askew and Roison had a fantastic day, winning both novice sections and going on to share the lead with Sophy Whatley and Imperious Spirit in Novice 20. The Elementary test resulted in a win for Jackie Lambert and Golden Admiral.

The following day the club put its first ever team forward for the Area 14 novice show jumping competition, held at Worlington Riding Club near Newmarket.

Toni Allin, Mel Holloway, Margaret Guterres and Laura Mann pulled out all the stops to jump three double clears, clinching a well-deserved win and qualification for the national finals to be held in Lincolnshire this September. Margaret Guterres also had the accolade of winning the class.

HDRC's chef d'equipe Karen Plant said: 'The club is only a year old and this is the first time we have put forward a show jumping team for an area competition. We had a good training session last week and thought we may possibly be in with a chance of being placed but we were totally bowled over and absolutely delighted to win.'

t Alison Bailey from Newton St Faiths, did her first BE100 of the season at Milton Keynes on her horse Manderley Classic, that has come back from an injury he had last year.

She won the section on a final score of 29, having scored 25pc in dressage, a double clear and only four time penalties in cross country.

She keeps her horses at home and works full time for her granddad at Hainford Hall Motor Salvage.

Alison has owned Manderley Classic for nearly three years. They started eventing last year and Milton Keynes was her first event of the season.

'He was such a good boy and really jumped his heart out to make me very proud,' said Alison, who is looking for sponsorship as she is hoping to turn her eventing from a hobby into a career. Alison, 20, is a member of North Norfolk Pony Club.