POOR weather failed to dampen the spirits and the high quality of the entry at the North Cornwall Hunt Pony Club Open Show held at the Royal Cornwall Showground.

Jen Trethewey, of the organising committee, said: "Disappointingly the predicted poor weather did affect our numbers but those who attended were rewarded with a great day.

"The quality of turnout and presentation in the showing rings was high and received encouraging compliments from our judges commenting on the excellent manners and attitude of all competitors."

Val Croft from Prospect Farm Livery, Helston, cast her expert eye over the showing ring and equally impressed was her experienced steward and good friend Joyce Williams.

The two ladies were clearly delighted with the standard across the board and Val made some hard decisions in judging the excellent entry.

In the end she selected Jake Wilson and Wilma Bobby as her ring champions having earlier called the pair forward to the top of the best pony club pony line-up.

Looking impressive on his first outing, this promising bay pony is being carefully produced by Jake with his younger sister Darcy in mind. Both young prospects showed a great deal of maturity to clinch the top honour.

The reserve championship went to a delighted Holly Fanshawe with her roan pony Charlie who came forward as winners of the best open combination class. Holly is an active tetrathlete and keen member of the North Cornwall Pony Club.

Compliments

Sue Ferris from Falmouth, British Showjumping junior academy co-ordinator for the area took on the judging duties in the fun showing ring.

Jen Trethewey said: "Our competitors were full of compliments for Sue's guidance and advice.

"She handed out tips for future success along with the rosettes."

In a close run decision Sue selected fancy dress winners, Katie Thomas and Joli for her respective championship.

This young rider has recently joined the North Cornwall Hunt Pony Club along with her brother Eliot and the duo are enjoying the fun and enjoyment at the popular rallies and camp.

The reserve champion from the Fun Showing ring went to Cameron Smith and Seamus.

The judge said: "This youngster impressed me with his mature showing and presentation skills demonstrated in the Young Handler class."

The showjumping rings proved popular throughout the day with Pony Club members and non-members taking advantage of one of the last opportunities to compete off grass before the indoor season.

Holly and Charlie continued their momentum and reaping from their hardwork and training recorded a winning double in the Joker and midi classes.

The gymkhana was an exciting experience with many young members keen to show their prowess for the Prince Philip Cup competitions. In bringing the hotly contested races to a climax the point trophies were difficult to predict.

In the younger age group Nicole McCollough took home the trophy and Caitlin Fahey with her speedy chestnut pony Bronze was delighted to win the trophy for the 12 yrs and under category.

Winners: Showing ring (judge Val Croft): Tack and Turnout Open: Amy Richards (Aaron). Best combination lead rein: Connie Clerey (Echo). 10 yrs & under: Ella Slade (Tyson).

11-14 yrs: Amy Downie (Major Fox). Open: Holly Fanshawe (Charlie). Best grass kept: Caitlin May (Snowflake). Best stable kept: Kirsten Collier (Cracker).

Family horse/pony: Sophie Oliver (Ebony). Coloured horse/pony: Gemma Owen (Rolly). Mountain & Moorland: Nicola Yates (Seiont Grwol). Pony Club Pony: Jake Wilson (Wilma Bobby). Riding Club Horse/Pony: Kirsten Collier (Cracker).

Ridden hunter/riding horse: Jemma Owen (Rolly). Champion: Jake Wilson (Wilma Bobby). Reserve champion: Holly Fanshawe (Charlie). Fun ring (judge Sue Ferris): Cuddliest pony: Val Bennett (Tawna Frisby).

Most handsome gelding: Tierney Davies (Luigi). Prettiest filly: Connie Clerey (Echo). Most appealing eyes: Cheyenne Curgenven (Zennor Blue Alvin). Most abundance mane/tail: David Bennett (Cherry Blossom).

Pony/horse judge would like to take home: Nina Worth (Copper Dream). Child handler 10 yrs & under: Cameron Smith (Seamus). Child handler 16 yrs & under: Nina Worth (Copper Dream).

Fancy dress: Katie Thomas (Joli). Fun champion: Katie Thomas (Joli); reserve champion: Cameron Smith (Seamus).

Showjumping: Micro (assisted): Morgan Dunn (Blackhill Faith). Micro (non assisted): Darcy Wilson (Trevaylor Tiger's Eye). Mini: Laura Hull (Narrowmore Venus).

Joker & Midi: Holly Fanshawe (Charlie). Gymkhana points trophies: 8 yrs & under: Nicole McCullough; 12 yrs & under: Caitlin Fahey.

THE Cornwall Hunt Club Point to Point takes place at the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge on Sunday.

The first race in the six race card starts at noon with the novice riders, followed by Men's and Ladies Open, Intermediate and Restricted races and concluding with the Open Maiden race.

Viewing is excellent and visitors can enjoy a flutter with the bookmakers, refreshments, a licensed bar, trade stands and stalls all under cover.

Entrance is £10 for car and driver, £5 per passenger and children free. Details from Linda Matthews 01736 761937.

Diary dates, Page 96.

Cornish Guardian and West Briton and ticket competition winners for the Equine Fair at Westpoint, Exeter, were: Lynda Chapman, London Wells Farm, Herniss Penryn; Yasmin Boother Rebowan Meadows, Newquay; Joanne Chaplin, Castle View, Cleers, Roche and Olivia Hopper, Rew Farm, Sweetshouse, Bodmin.