AUTUMN sunshine brought out the best capabilities of the riders who took part in La Carriere Stables’ first winter jumping competition of the season.

Class one is for the riders on leading rein or just off and they must try to keep their mounts to a trotting pace, but it was hard to hold back the very keen Charlotte Barker, on her pony, Faith, Hope and Glory, who whizzed around the jump-off course in a very fast time.

Two competitors later came an equally keen Aaron Renouf, riding Lu-Lu, who managed to get around a second faster to take first place from the other 14 competitors in the jump-off. Third place in a very close class went to Olivia Williams on Penny.

Barker tried equally hard in the next class, but again had to settle for second place, just behind Brittany Chippendale this time and she was riding Popsy who was off the leading rein.

Rachel Le Mesurier surprised herself with the nicely controlled sharp turns that she made when on board Robin in class three and her fast time put her six seconds in front of the second-placed Sophia Forino, riding Alfie. Ellie French, on Molly, was a close third.