Scottish riders were out in force at the BD Winter Championships at Hartpury College.

Jo Hamilton had a particularly successful week with her own and Lady Hope's Vivaldi V picking up second spot in both the PSG and advanced medium freestyle to music finals. Stablemate Corchapin, who is also jointly owned by Jo and Lady Hope, was second in the elementary open and eighth in the elementary open music final.

Jo said: "I couldn't have asked more of them in the three championships they were second in. Corchapin was nervous in his freestyle test where he came sixth.

"It was a big ambition for me to ride in the PSG freestyle evening championship and to do as well as we did was fabulous. The music composed by Tom Hunt made it extra special. Percentages were well in to the 70s and lovely comments from the judges have made it a great week!"

Hannah Guild and her own Corienta were top amateurs in the elementary open, finishing third just behind Jo. In the elementary music class they were just ahead of Jo in fourth spot, while in the novice open freestyle they picked up 10th place.

Another rider who had an exceptional show was Gillian Parker and her talented mare Zaphira. Gillian, who is trained by Albert Von Schie, recently won the medium The Scottish Farmer finals at Rowallan. At Hartpury she was second and best amateur in the medium restricted music and eightth in the medium restricted class.

Gillian commented: "I couldn't be more thrilled. She was awesome in the main arena for the freestyle. I had the most wonderful comments from the judges. It is amazing that you can go down south, coming from Scotland as a true amateur who works full time, and compete against the professionals.

"I have had such an amazing year so far. I am really looking forward to cracking on with advanced medium now knowing I have done my best at medium. There is still so much more to come with her which is very exciting!"

Sharon Lindop was fifth in the medium restricted freestyle test with her own Sandhaven.

Sharon said: "He is finally starting to grow up and was with me throughout the test. We were first in after the break during which a prize giving took place. It was a real shame as he lost some of his expression and energy as a result of being held for an extra eight minutes while two riders whose horses took exception to the spotlights were picked up off the floor!

"It was also really noticeable how well the Scottish contingent did with many placings throughout the week. Standards have increased enormously over the last few years and those who used to think that coming to Scotland was an easy way to qualify must surely be due a rethink!"

Sue Carson saddle distributor, Sam Turpitt, was fifth in the elementary restricted freestyle test with Busilus. Sam reflected: "Since the regionals the weather has been shocking and my preparation really hadn't been the best. Then with the EHV outbreak it did make me wonder whether I should go or not.

"I had secretly hoped for a top 10 placing, but to end up fifth is unbelievable! Jo Hamilton kindly helped me warm up and kept me calm which definitely helped and Busi was just fab – it makes all the hard work worthwhile!"

Jo Pitt, who is originally from Huntly although now based in Norfolk, won the grade II Para test with her parents' Estralia.

Jo said: "He gave me a very good ride – it was the best he has been in a busy atmosphere. He will now have a bit of a rest before the Summer Championships at Hickstead, which will give me time to focus on my young horse."

Catriona Leckie came fourth in the novice open with Cerento, while Karen Dewar and Uspardie were seventh in the elementary open and Jade Struthers and Knighthawk were 10th in the advanced medium.

The Pet Plan Winter Championships were held in conjunction with the BD Winter Championships. Longforgan based Jo Wilkie had a great show with Rocky Heights performing well in the prelim first round and Piper II picking up third place in the novice restricted final.

Jo said: "I was thrilled with both of my horses. Piper especially showed a lot of maturity and we both rose to the occasion. It felt great to do well for everyone who helped me get there."

Gaynor Ranshaw and Kim Young's Zero To Hero came seventh in the first round of the elementary open with Cathy Lee and Janet Spens's Haver coming eighth.

Gaynor then came fifth in round one of the novice open. Katie Barr and Wanda were ninth equal in the open medium section.