Round 2 ROUND-UP from Blackdyke

Round 2 in the Maiden Marine sponsored Blackdyke Farm Indoor Arena Eventing fixture on Sunday 27th November saw a full turnout of competitors taking on the John Collier designed 18 fence track of mixed show jumps and cross country fences.  There were wins for regular competitor Abbie Tinning on Molly Moo in the 65cm, Emma Robinson on Vice Marshall in the 75cm, Callie Nichol on Darco’s Irish Cream 85cm and newcomer to Blackdyke Pip Brandon riding Dark Secret in the 95cm. Some competitors chose to take a number of tight lines offered around the flowing cross country section with a few paying the penalty for coming in under the time for an Optimum Time based class, while others were remarkably close and ably demonstrated by Pip Brandon who passed the finishing line just 0.64 seconds over the target time.  The Series leaders after Round 1 on 30th October were Melissa Cairns, Andrew Hewitt and Susie Chappelow-Lacey and all were attending but all unfortunately knocked poles down in the show jumping phase setting them back behind luckier riders Deborah Hogg and Tara Kane.  Travelling companions Julie Wyle and Emma Robinson (pictured) enjoyed a one two in the 75cm class taking away prizes generously donated by Karen Schwerdt from Maiden Marine.  Riders will now have to wait until late January for Round 3 with the usual fourth Sunday in the month falling this year on Christmas Day.  Organisers of the series Douglas and Lucinda Weymouth commented ‘now into our sixth winter season at Blackdyke Farm these events are very popular drawing entrants from across the region for a really intense indoor challenge and we admire their competitiveness.  We have a developing programme of fixtures for next year which along with some additional social events and fundraising trials will keep our followers and their horses active throughout the season with details launched in the next few weeks.