MEMBERS of St Austell Bay Equestrian Club mixed business with pleasure at their annual meeting held at the White Hart, St Austell.

Following the official agenda they celebrated an excellent year with the presentation of the annual awards before sharpening their skills in the team quiz.

"It was lovely to see many coming along to say farewell to those on the committee who were stepping down," said a spokesman for the club.

Carole Read, a longstanding member of the committee and staunch supporter of the club was among those standing down due to family commitments and she sent a message to share her sentiments.

"I'd like to thank all the committee, the members of St Austell Bay Equestrian Club and friends for all their help and support during my time with the club," said Carole. "I'm off to spend some time with my son and his family in Australia and will be back in March. I wish the new committee every success and hope they enjoy their time as much as I have."

Amy Gilbert from Trenance Downs, St Austell is one of the shining stars of the club and this was highlighted by the multiple presentations which saw her step up to receive the senior showing, working hunter, dressage and overall points awards.

Maisy Maddern is another up and coming rider who enjoyed a memorable first season in the show ring.

The nine year-old from Grampound stole the limelight in the leading rein classes with Rillaton Fair Trade led by Amber Whetter.

Maisy, who is a pupil at Grampound Road School, secured an impressive tally of wins on her nine-year-old chestnut gelding and she was clearly thrilled to receive the junior points award.

"I was delighted to win the shield," said Maisy who is currently enjoying jumping lessons with Zoe Gwennap of Colraine Equestrian Centre and is now looking forward to her first outdoor outing of the new season at the Four Burrow Hunt Easter Show at St Columb.

Lowenna Tiplady also came to the fore with her grey Shetland pony Rocket who recorded a victory in the gymkhana section.

"Lowenna and my other daughter Lucy have trained him from scratch," said their mother Stephanie. "We are all extremely proud of Rocket."

Lowenna, aged eight, who is a pupil at Wadebridge County Primary School also competes in the gymkhana games on her other pony Mr Goo.

"Mr Goo looks like a classic Thelwell pony," said Stephanie. "Lowenna loves competing in gymkhana, jumping and has even done dressage on Rocket! Her heroes are Mary King and Ellen Whitaker."

St Austell Bay Equestrian Club point winners: Senior showjumping: Jenny Booth; Junior showjumping: Tegan Pownall; Senior Showing: Amy Gilbert; Junior showing: Maisy Maddern; Gymkhana points: Lowenna Tiplady; Working Hunter: Amy Gilbert; Working Hunter pony: Rebecca Hartley; Dressage points: Amy Gilbert; Mini, Midi Maxi Jumping: Laura Burnett; Most Improved Junior: Katy Rowe, Most Improved Senior: John Robinson; Overall points winner: Amy Gilbert.

British Riding Clubs (Area 19) are presenting a Lecture/Demonstration with Richard Waygood on March 3, at Barguse Riding Centre, Lockengate, by kind permission of Lisa and Alistair Todd.

This interactive fun evening starts at 7pm and focuses on training the event horse.

An international event rider, British team chef d'equipe and BE accredited trainer, Richard Waygood is also a former Riding Master of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. He is assistant chef d'equipe to the senior dressage team, choreographer of the world famous musical ride and a popular television presenter and event organiser.

During his high profile competitive career, Richard competed and has been placed at Badminton, Luhmuhlen, Burghley and Blenheim. He is also an ambassador for The Brooke Hospital and in 2009 he received an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen for his services to equestrianism.

This interactive fun evening starts at 7pm and focuses on training the event horse. Tickets in advance @ £10 or on the door @ £15. For more details contact carolinewills@aol.com or visit www.area19brc.org.uk

Show and event secretaries together with equestrian businesses wishing to include their fixtures, dates and details in this year's popular Horse Show and Gymkhana Guide should contact Teresa Chapman on 07752133233 or 01872 560337.

"We're getting very close to our deadlines," said Teresa whose work in compiling this important show guide handbook raises much needed funds for the Riding for the Disabled.

"I would be grateful to hear from anyone wishing to advertise in this year's Horse Show and Gymkhana guide as a matter of urgency."

Diary dates, see page 92.