Carleton Riding Club held its first dressage and show-jumping Show of 2013 at Easton College in spring sunshine.

The turnout included not only first-time competitors – both junior and senior, and new combinations – but also more established pairings that have been working hard over the winter, despite atrocious conditions.

Winners received commemorative EQ Life rosettes and the highest placed Carleton Riding Club member in each class was awarded a stunning 'best member' rosette. Equus Imaging vouchers were also awarded.

Junior riders Katie Turner-Royall on Time for Tiger, and Olivia Howard on WHW Lanesfield Lyrical (Lyric) posted good scores in Intro B. In the senior group, won by Rebecca Sowinski on Marmaduke, the new combination of Leslie Whyte-Venables and Baltimore Beau were delighted runners-up. Amy Long and Chilena won Prelim. 1, with Claire Louise Bond on Woodcock Cavalier second. Jade Smith and Gold Dust scored 65.83pc to win Prelim. 13 with Tanya Lawton on Cherryville Stoney Hill second; Elise Howard posted two 70+pc scores to win Novice 30 and 34 and Milly Cook calmly controlled Zinco's exuberance to complete Elementary 42 and 44.

The showjumpers took over as the sun went in and, after show-jumping trainer and former Dutch SJ team member Claudia Owens had conducted a course-walk for members, the 60cm class tackled the first of an inviting set of courses built by Steve Dye, but with a related distance between fences one and two, resulting in rather a lot of four-faulters. Bonnie Tarsey and Rose Hill were victorious in the jump-off, with Beatrice Vaughan on experienced campaigner Milo, second. Beatrice Vaughan and Milo then went one better to win the 70cm jump-off.

Jasmine Hunter and Oberon were first in the 80cm class, with Ellie Bailey on Irish True Colours second.

The 90 cm class was won by Ashleigh Garrett on Telfords Surpise, following up their second placing in the Novice 34 dressage test, with Jasmine Hunter on Oberon second. Anna Cole on Marionette won the 1m class, with Elise Howard on Flagheath second.

In the pony section, Jade Cootes and Dakota Dreamer had wins at 60 cm and 70 cm, sharing the latter win with India Fincham on My Lilia Rose. India was also runner up in the 80 cm class to Anna Cole on Ashley, who then went on to win the 90 cm class. The next Carleton Riding Club show is on May 26 at Easton College.

Prior to all the shows, Claudia Owens will be running flatwork and showjumping clinics for members.