It's an exciting season ahead for freelance dressage trainer Sara Sexton and her 10-year-old bay gelding Rubens Jubilee after the talented duo won a prestigious dressage event. Sara, who trains riders and horses from her base in Billingford, near Dereham, as well as teaching for both the West and North Norfolk Pony Club, won the Pet Plan Area Festival Advanced Medium Open at Sheepgate Equestrian Centre in Lincolnshire.

Rubens Jubilee was purchased as a three-year-old from breeder and international dressage rider Paul Hayler and he has been very lightly competed until recently due to family commitments – Sara is mum to Daisy aged five and twins Rory and Isobel aged two.

'Apart from a brief appearance at the Winter Championships at Hartpury as a five-year-old where he was seventh in the Novice Music Championship he has been quietly produced at home for the most part and this was only his fourth test at Advanced Medium level so I was thrilled,' said Sara. This winning ride qualifies Sara to compete at the Hartpury championships next year and she is now spending the winter in preparation, as well as stepping up to Prix St George level.

'I haven't had my tailcoat on since before the children came along,' she laughed. 'It's all thanks to the help I get from a very understanding husband, two wonderful grandmothers and the brilliant Tessa Fielder who keeps us on the straight and narrow that I am able to do any of this. Without them all it wouldn't be possible. I am also very lucky to have such a beautiful, talented and trainable horse to work with and I am so excited about his future.'

Sandringham House will once again be hosting the FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championships for Singles next year, bringing the cream of the sport to this beautiful parkland.

The Championships take place from June 26-29 and for added wow-factor the event will also incorporate International and National classes for able-bodied drivers.

British para-equestrians have a good record of success at this event, most recently winning team bronze in 2012 at Breda in Holland, so there is all to play for. Entries for the 2014 World Championships are expected from across the world; America has already indicated its intention to compete with entries from Europe, in particular Belgium, France, Germany and Holland, widely anticipated.

Organisers are asking for businesses, groups and individuals to help support the event – and the British para-equestrians – with a range of sponsorship opportunities, from title sponsorship to class rosettes and even social events. In return, organisers offer sponsors a great benefits package including free trade stand space, free advertising in the programme and free tickets on all three days of competition for the sponsor and guests, depending on level of sponsorship.

Organisers would also like to hear from anyone who speaks German as a translator may be required for the German team and also to read out scores on the PA system.

Whether you wish to sponsor the event or just go along to soak up the atmosphere of the big event and support the drivers, this is one date for your diary not to be missed.

For more information and/or a sponsorship pack please contact Sally Moreton on 01526 388643 or email: sally.moreton@btconnect.com

Equestrian groups across the region are turning their thoughts to spooky fun and games for Halloween. Lime Kiln Farm's Halloween weekend starts on October 26, with a spookily-themed fun show. Classes range in height from 20cm-90cm, including fancy dress.

On the same day, Forest Edge EC kicks off its British Showjumping pony show with a spooky woodland walk and Halloween supper, with the jumping taking place over both days.

For endurance riders, the Iceni group will be at Great Hockham for a Halloween ride, with optional fancy dress for all ages and prizes for the spookiest dressed horse and rider.

The Horse of the Year Show took place at Birmingham's NEC Arena and plenty of local talent took the trip to this spectacular indoor show.

Diss-based expert show producer Allister Hood piloted Lady Caroline Tyrrell's The Comedian to the Virbac 3D Worming Cob of the Year Championship in front of a 9,500-strong crowd. The eight-year-old liver chestnut gelding by Welcome Flagmount gave Allister Hood a foot-perfect ride despite the electric atmosphere that was quickly building.

'It was amazing and he was just fantastic,' said Allister. 'He stood like a rock in there.'

It was those from the west of the East Anglian region who enjoyed plenty of success, with Philip Spivey, 40, from Ipswich, heading the ultra-competitive EquestrianClearance.com Senior Newcomers National Showjumping Championship.

Also enjoying jumping success were Ben Maher and Laura Renwick, from Essex.

Hannah Vincent, 20, based in Bunwell is set to make her fifth trip to the Dodson & Horrell National Amateur & Veteran Championships to be held on November 14-17 at the prestigious Aintree International Arena in Liverpool.

Hannah and Jabberwocky (Ozzy) have been on top form with their recent quest to qualify for the 1.10m and 1.15m competitions. The pair qualified for the 1.10m second round at Arena UK and have just secured another second round qualifier by winning the 1.15m competition at Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham on the October 12.