The recent bad weather did not put off competitors at the first of the arena event series run by Les Smith at SNEC.

Louise Edward rode the 10-year-old Just The Business to win the intro section. Louise commented: “It was great to get out after the horrible weather. The course rode well and he felt happy to be out competing and he jumped superbly. I am hoping to start the season with the BE100 at Kirriemuir.”

In the pre-novice class, Sarra Mayberry dominated with Gillian Edwards and Charlie separating her two rides. Sarra won the class with Newt aka Billy Fox. Sarra commented: “The course asked plenty of questions using the full arena so there was space to open up and ride forward. His dressage has come on a lot over the winter so the aim for the start of the season is to be competitive at pre novice, then move on from there.”

In third spot was Sarra’s exciting new acquisition Molly whose show name is Lowhill Carricks Lady. Sarra bought the six-year-old daughter of Carricks Diamond Lad from the Monart Elite Performance sale in November. Sarra said: “She hasn’t done any eventing yet so this was an entirely new experience for her and a very encouraging result.”

The novice and open intermediate classes were won by Fiona Malcolm. In the novice class her BE100 Scottish Champion, Lottie, (Glenvilla Mai), took her to victory. Fiona commented: “I was really pleased with her and I seem to have more control this year so that is always a bonus! She is a very willing jumper and always brave.” Fiona will bring her out novice this season with plans for a CCI* later in the year.

In the open intermediate Fiona rode her former 2* ride Tee Pee to the only double clear. Fiona reflected: “What a comeback! He has had three years away from it all as he started headshaking, but for some reason, and we don’t know why, he seems to have stopped and is fine again. I absolutely adore him even though he can be quirky so fingers crossed he is cured!

“He is very capable and can jump his way out of anything. I am going to play about and hopefully will be able to event him again. Les was very kind to us with the course as there were no huge questions. I think he appreciated that, with the weather, we are all a bit rusty!”

LEADINGawards:

Intro – 1, Just The Business, L Edward, 0; 2, The Raindancer, E Jamieson, 0; 3, Borthwick Amber, M Parrot, 0. Pre-novice – 1, Newt, S Mayberry, 0; 2, Charlie, G Edwards, 0; 3, Molly, S Mayberry,0. Novice – 1, Lottie, F Malcolm, 0; 2, Valco, B Edward,0; 3, Tonto, C Powell, 0. OI – 1, Tee Pee, F Malcolm, 0; 2, Percy, S O’Neil, 6; 3, Mrs Frost, S O’Neil, 8.