THE dressage season at Melrose came to a very successful conclusion this year with the championships attracting a large entry in the beginner and newcomer section, which has been steadily building up during the last 12 months.

Beginners walk and trot test restricted was won by Nathalie Le Cloarec riding Minuet, who also won the prize for the most improved beginner.

Sion Turian riding Spring Bouncer won the walk and trot open section with only one mark to just beat Hannah Lesbirel riding Aragon Knight, who then went on with more focus to win the newcomers class, beating Turian by two marks – a close call between those two up and coming newcomers.

Veteran horse Starting Over, ridden by Biddy Buchan, came out again this year and won the veteran class, but he improved his scores in the following class and also won the preliminary open.

Junior rider Lizzie Le Couvey, riding her skewbald pony Little Miss Popular, won the junior preliminary.

Honeybear, ridden with precision by Sophie Browning (pictured), stole the show.

With a cracking score of 74.5% they clinched the restricted preliminary class and the pair then went on to win the junior novice and restricted novice. The prize for the most improved rider was awarded to Browning.