THE first jumping competition of the winter series at La Carriere Stables brought floods of leading rein/beginners and new combinations of horse and riders and these are always exciting to watch – competitors of the future. Roxanne Hooper was led around a very fast jump-off course (by her mum), riding My Cheyanne, to come out on top in the first class from Ellie French riding Penny.

The double clear rounds went down to 13th place in this class and 13th was Allison Salmon jumping Poppy off the leading rein for the first time.

The Martin family have a fabulous new pony, Perryditch Lightfinger, which they brought out for a bit of experience. They look as though they have a great future ahead of them.

Jaymee-Leigh Weysom went early on in the jump-off riding Penny in class three and held a good lead, despite a valiant effort from Weysom.

They kept up their winning streak and went on to win The Zip Up Minimus championship qualifier from a very confident looking Tegan Martin Sarre riding Little Phantom, who also qualifies for the championships.

Newcomer Vanessa Brown riding LuLu had a super win in the accumulator class from Carrie Rosamund riding Pie.

These two were the only competitors to gain maximum points.

Lara Cuddihee riding Alfie and second placed Tia Gardner riding Robin were clear winners in the Pete Ozanne Electrics alternative championship class.

Once again the open accumulator with joker class saw only two competitors achieving maximum points and they were Rachel Mauger riding Gally and Nicola Fallaize riding the wonderful veteran, Alfred.

This was only one of four wins that Mauger and Gally had – they were really on a roll. One of these was to win the Tina’s Hair Studio senior novice qualifier.

First to go in this jump-off was Fallaize riding Alfred and they just took too much of a chance on a turn to the third jump and couldn’t make it – you’ve got to take a chance sometimes and they don’t always come off.

This left it wide open for the in-form Mauger who won this from Aimee Garnett and Daniel who also qualified.

Sophie Robilliard riding her new pony, Braken, didn’t really need to push too hard to win the Greg Forino Flooring junior qualifier as Vicky Guillot riding her brand new pony, Donlewey, was the only other competitor in the jump-off and they took it very quietly to come into second place and also qualify.

Natalie Moorat riding Henry had the only clear round in the Bob Froome senior championship qualifier and Becky Rowe riding Elley were the other partnership to qualify after having had bad luck at the first jump to pick up four faults.

The next competition is on Sunday.