RIDERS from Northallerton Riding Club made the long trip down to Hartpury College, in Gloucestershire, pay off when they claimed a top title at the British Riding Clubs’ indoor show jumping finals.

Their best result came in the NAF Five Star Superflex Junior Novice Championships, where they stormed home to win, beating nearly 30 qualified clubs from across the British Isles.

After two exciting rounds, they were one of three teams on an eight-fault score and then had to go into a timed jump-off with the Purbeck and Cropthorne and Evesham Vale teams to decide the placings.

The winning Northallerton team consisted of captain Heather Bellis, 16, on Pebbles, Lucy Winn, 13, on Creagh Mazeppa, Christie Farren, 16, on Ballycahane Lad, and Aimee Gascoinge, 15, on Bronty.

“The second round was very tense for the Northallerton supporters, and we were pleased to make the jump-off,” said club spokeswoman Pam Clapham.

“In the jump-off, they all went clear in very quick times, making them the national novice indoor showing jumping champions. Team manager and chef d’equipe Michael Raper was very proud of the girls as they thoroughly deserved their win with a great team spirit. He’d like to thank all who took part, both competing and supporting.”

The club also qualified a young second junior team, who will have learned much from the experience. This team consisted of three 12-year-olds - Jake Clark on Milagros Wilma, Hollie Brown on Castle View Bobby, and Holly Brown on Stadmorslow Red, who was unfortunately unable to compete after her pony went lame. Completing the quartet was 13-year-old Harriet Bagley, who jumped two lovely clear rounds on Bumble.

Northallerton also qualified a team for the senior show jumping championships, for riders aged over 18.

They finished in a very respectable seventh place, represented by Michael Raper on True Blue, Carly Stephenson, who jumped a double clear on Noble Party Popper, Christine Swiers on Mr Alfresco, and Kathryn Williams on Friars Lucky Penny.