JUNIOR riders have been far and wide in the last few weeks with some good results filtering back. 

And, for some, the hard work has paid of as the Great Britain pony Nations Cup team heading to Lamprechtshausen, in Austria, on May 18-21 was announced this week and of the six juniors chosen, three of them are Scottish – Nicole Lockhead Anderson, Shaunie Greig and Annaliese Aitken, who went well at the recent viewing trials at Chepstow. Nicole Lockhead Anderson had a fabulous show at the Chepstow International, with two wins.

Gangnam Style won on day one but was backed up by Lynncot Fancy Pants in fifth. 

On day two it was the turn of Killack King to take the win with Lynncot Fancy Pants in fifth, then on day three, Gangnam Style was second again with all three keeping the selectors' interest.

Moving onto Weston Lawns and Gangnam Style started his 2018 HOYS campaign by heading a strong Pony Show Jumper of The Year. This pony was a newcomer and foxhunter finalist last year.

Christine Graham’s Epee Nazaar was just one away from getting through to the foxhunter final but has a few chances to go.

Shaunie Greig was also on fire winning at Chepstow in flying fashion with Casino Royale, then finishing second twice with Moonlight Flight. This young rider is another in tremendous form and she certainly caught the selectors' eyes for the British teams.

Coylton’s Annaliese Aitken was in the money with her own Eagele Z and Dun The Business throughout the show. 

At Weston Lawns, Madelaine Archibald joined Nicole by picking up an early HOYS ticket. Riding the only treble clear in a strong and busy 128cm HOYS qualifier, she was one of only six to go clear in the first round then the only one from three to remain clear all the way with her super mare, My Little Sweetheart.

Madelaine was unlucky to roll a pole in the 138cm section with Stoneyburke but they travel onto Arena UK next weekend for another attempt.

William Stewart headed off to Weston Lawns carrying the new title of Scottish branch 128cm champion thanks to a fast double clear at The Cabin’s junior show.

Sox Pocket Rocket was the quickest home in 36.06s round Di Beaumont’s twisting jump off with stablemate Billibob collecting second in 37.96s.

Madelaine was also clear but had to settle for third this time on My Little Sweetheart in 38.01s.

William also steered the evergreen pony stallion, Loughcutra Lad – known as Dennis to his friends – to take the red rosette in the Royal Highland Show 138cm qualifier, although this pair had already qualified back in February, at Alnwick Ford. 

Having also qualified at Richmond months ago, Fergal Holohan could just put his foot to the floor in the Highland Show 128cm qualifier which he did to stand in front of Will with Soxs Pocket Rocket and Billibob again. 

Tess McMyn was crowned Scottish Branch 138cm champion for her efforts on Triple Treat. Having only started BS together in October last year, they have been tackling the winter first rounds and Highland Show qualifiers taking a win at SNEC a few weeks ago. 

Two made it through to the jump-off in this class with both Tess on Triple Treat and Natasha Hamilton on The Kids Sisters having a pole down leaving it to Tess’s quicker time to decide the winner.

Charley Hamilton has been seen jumping successfully in horse classes and under the guidance of Johnny Aird seems to be growing in confidence. She took the win in the RHS 148cm qualifier with her winter JA Classic winner, Novella.

Sandy McLean took a break from jumping horses to steer his Tobar King into second whilst Lanarkshire show’s leading rider, Charlie Rogan, rode her family’s AG Dynamo into third with this pair already qualified from West Kype a few weeks earlier. 

Glasgow-based Emma Holland has produced her own Dexters The Boss quietly for the past two years with help from Paul Deasy aiming this winter at the Liz Fox JC/JD qualifiers but so far being unlucky to have a pole or two.

It all came good at The Cabin when they managed to jump the only first round clear and took the win without the need for a jump off.

Beth Purvis slotted into second place at only her second ever show with Spitfire Jack and just one pole on the floor in the first round. 

Banchory Academy student, Katie Woods Young was in blistering form all weekend with three outright wins on her spotted pony, Apache Joe which sees her immediately catapult to the top of the Scottish league points table.

LEADING awards:

The Cabin juniors

Stepping Stones – 1, 9 shared. Discovery/90cm – 1, Taraco Emerald, C Hamilton; 2, Real Cool Dude, S Proudley; 3, Apache Joe, K Woods Young. Newcomers/1m – 1, Apache Joe; 2, Clover, S McLean; 3, Norbet, S McLean. BS Scottish Branch 128cm championship – 1, Soxs Pocket Rocket, W Stewart; 2, Billibob, W Stewart; 3, My Little Sweetheart, M Archibald. Liz Fox JC/JD – 1, Dexters The Boss E Holland; 2, Spitfire Jack, B Purvis; 3, Caribbean Prince, S Lusk. BS Scottish Branch 138cm championship – 1, Triple Treat, T McMyn; 2, Kids Sisters, N Hamilton; 3, Loughcutra Lad, W Stewart. RHS 148cm –1, Novella, C Hamilton; 2, Tobar King, S McLean; 3, AG Dynamo, C Rogan. Club junior 70cm – 1, Woodpark Pippa, P Ashe; 2, Alexies Little Gem, E Forrest; 3, Beyblade, E Archibald. Stepping Stones 128/138cm handicap – 1, 9 shared. British Novice – 1, Antrim Unique, S Cobban; 2, Miss Dolly Mixture, H Muir; 3, Winnie Bothwell, L Watson. Discovery – 1, Apache Joe; 2, Real Cool Dude, S Proudley; 3, Fenella Fudge, A Black. Newcomers/1m – 1, Apache Joe; 2, Chapelmill Choirboy, B Wilson; 3, Caribbean Prince. RHS 128cm – 1, Harri Potter, F Holohan; 2, Soxs Pocket Rocket; 3, Billibob. Foxhunter/1.1m – 1, Kengarth Sally Ann, G Purves. RHS 138cm – 1, Loughcutra Lad; 2, Mitchel Troy Welsh Express, M Archibald; 3, Triple Treat. 1.15m Members cup – 1, Braveheart Warrior, J Ross.