What a busy month May has been for riders at home and further afield, plus the start of the HOYS qualifiers has also drawn many competitors.

But there have been many good results for the Scots.

Ayrshire’s Annalise Aitken has had an amazing start to her year aiming at the ‘children on horses’ classes and gaining the ride on the Sandra Low Mitchell-produced Zorland, which she took to Wales and West.

There she won the viewing trial and finished fourth in the grand prix which saw her being selected to compete in team GB in Opglabbeek, Belgium, whilst stablemate MHS Walk The Line topped the grand prix and earned a place in the GB squad for Holland in June.

Jemma Kirk’s Nations Cup appearance didn’t go quite to plan but she was still well placed throughout the show in Lisbon with Tchoupi Pironierre in second and third in speed classes and latest ride, Carbani, placed in big classes.

Fraser Reed earned a Highland qualification on Amadora JX, with a quick turn-round to jump his ponies at the South View Pony Premier.

In his last year in juniors, it was fitting that he has another HOYS appearance to look forward to courtesy of the super bay gelding, Jiminy Cricket, which won the Pony SJ of the Year class outright.

Not to be outdone, Shaunie Greig stood second with last year’s finalist, Moonlight Flight. She was also fourth with Casino Royale.

Shaunie already qualified Drumaclan Flight but with this pony sold on she will be happy she also took Buttons Two through following a second at South View in the 138cm HOYS qualifier.

Trained and supported by Patrick Williams, Mya Roxburgh Caira was delighted to steer Paddy’s Pet into third to send them to HOYS again.

Amy Morris had a fabulous Premier show picking up two HOYS tickets in one class.

Madonna slotted into second place in the 128cm qualifier whilst Telynau Royal Damas finished third giving her two rides at the final.

Charley Hamilton was sixth in the foxhunter second round with Novella, gaining another chance at qualifying for the British Nationals, in a strong 1.25m class.

It was no surprise to see Nicole Lockhead Anderson qualify for HOYS, she has one of the strongest team of ponies in the country.

The ever-consistent Gangnam Style won the 100-starter newcomers second round outright from Scottish-bred pony, Miami Moonbeam, with new rider, Anoushka Mauree.

Stephen Lohoar, from St Andrews, went to Area 15 to pick up a HOYS newcomer ticket on the six-year-old Gizmo. This horse gained valuable experience in Vilamoura earlier in the season where he won.

Douglas Duffin only just missed out winning the HOYS foxhunter at North Cumbria when beaten by Chris Smith on Warriors Glory but the Scottish-bred Pyjama Jack, bred by Bob Yeoman and Fiona Horne, stayed foot-perfect to pick up his ticket in second.

Declan Irvine was in the money in Lier and Bonheiden. Keeford Carousel was a winner at both including heading the 1* grand prix at the latter. Mystic Independence was placed in some 1.40s, Horatio Van Ter Huls in the 1.30s and Zanduer Clover in the 1.2/1.3m sections.

James Smith returned from Reims, France, with some lower placings in the big classes with Balibu, Bolton Gate Ben and Twix De La Roque, whilst helping Victoria Hewson, who had a good show with her new ride, Portphilip Queen.

Back home and Highland show qualifiers are still being contested in the juniors.

Lewis Lawson, G-Pig and Sophie Cobban Tynebank Royal Jubilee, both jumped clear in the 128cm qualifier at Rockrose to secure their places in the final

Three went through from ML show the following weekend. Fergal Holohan was on form with Tullibards Little Legend, Madelaine Archibald came next with My Little Sweetheart and Aimee Jane Jones was having a first ride on the Hamilton’s Koda to pick up the third qualifier.

Travelling up from Cumbria, Sophie Wicks was the only one to qualify at Muirmill taking Bubbas Delight clear then after some discussion over time faults found out later that her other clear on Sweet Baby James also takes her to the final.

Joining sister Madelaine at the Highland will be Phillipa Archibald who jumped clear at Rockrose, with Mitchel Troy Welsh Express, in the 138cm qualifier.

Shaunie Greig had a sit on Mr JK to get him through at ML joined by Jake Gibson on Llettycrudd Cardi Bach.

Fraser Reed will have to choose which ponies he competes having three now through to the 148cm final following the qualification of Kilcloghan DG Clover and Quilitymaes Z, at Rockrose, whilst Sandy McLean took his tally of rides to three after Mountmary Endas’ placing at Morris.