The sun shone and the forecasted rains stayed away from a hugely enjoyable second running of the A W Jenkinson Forest Products supported British Eventing Affiliated Horse Trials event at Warwick Hall over the weekend. Saturday saw a superb Novice class entry with 140 combinations coming forward to tackle the 27 effort 3100m cross country course and a total entry of 535 for the event. With a number of other upcoming northern events struggling to secure entries in these uncertain times the accessibility and sandy going at the River Eden venue keeps on maintaining its appeal for many regional riders and owners keen to let their horses run in the best conditions. The Show Jumping tracks built by John Collier on lush grass provided a proper test of jumping skill in a widened main arena which included some technical questions to test the riders. Organiser and cross country designer Douglas Weymouth’s galloping courses also asked new questions on a reversed route from normal. Cumbrian Young Riders Freya Gaitskell and Francesca Weymouth enjoyed top placings with a 3rd in the Under 18 Novice Section H for Freya’s Equador and a 4th for Francesca’s Vattrick in the Blackdyke Farm Riding Centre BE100 Open Section D. Sunday witnessed a full day of BE90 and BE80 sections with a superb win for Fiona Lloyd from Penrith riding Ridgehill Elfin in the Maiden Marine sponsored BE80 Section W. Fiona beat off competition from Alice Madden from Carlisle riding her Helsington Mad Moment who took 2nd in the same section. Young riders Fearne Wharton from Carlisle and her lovely pony Fudge will be pleased with their 3rd place in the Ruth Clark Equestrian sponsored BE90 Under 18 Section Q and Kacey Finch from Kendal likewise with a third in BE90 Under 18 Section R. Commenting on the weekend, BE Steward and Regional Coordinator Frances Hay Smith said ‘ Warwick Hall continues to attract our Members and the upcoming Area Festival later in July on 23rd to 25th will see many compete and qualify for the Badminton BE90 and BE100 Championship next year and the sport is pleased to be able to offer such a venue’. There is a plethora of classes being offered over this three day Festival and Organiser Lucinda Weymouth will once again garner the support of hundreds of volunteers to make it all happen and to allow the sport to thrive in the county. Lucinda commented ‘it is remarkable to have such a fabulous army of people to give their time to ensure the sport is well run and safe for everyone involved.’ The doors were partially opened for the weekend’s event and a limited number of spectators purchased tickets on-line to come and watch the action and, as government restrictions hopefully ease over the coming weeks further numbers may enjoy the calm riverside setting at Warwick Hall.