CELEBRATIONS were underway on Sunday, following the success enjoyed by the Robinson's Equiteach Team from Stokesley at Alnwick Ford Equestrian Centre.

First place, in the South Essex Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Working Pony qualifier, went to Theo Hopkins riding Claire Robinson's Hunky Dory and second place to his stable mate, Little Tinkerman, also owned by Claire and ridden by Jen Wilson.

Dory, as he is known at home, has now not only secured his ticket with Theo for the SEIB finals at Hoys in October, but last month he also qualified for the Riding for The Disabled Search for a Star finals, with his RDA rider. The RDA finals will take place at the BHSA Championships at Addington Manor in September.

A true all rounder, Dory has enjoyed success in a number of disciplines this year and when he is not busy competing, he works in the Robinson's Equitech Riding School and is a very useful and much loved member of the Stokesley RDA group.

Little Tinkerman, partnered by Jen Wilson, was second in the same class yesterday, which was an outstanding result for the team. LT, as he is known at home, had a less than fortunate start in life when he was rescued by the police who found him loose on a country road. at approximately two years of age. Seven years later, thanks to the dedication of Claire and his long term riding partner Jen, LT is now proudly flying the flag for welfare cobs everywhere. Like Dory, LT is a much valued riding school pony during the week and he too works with the Stokesley RDA group.

Last year, LT competed successfully at the RDA champs at Hartbury and was also placed fifth at Countryside Live in Harrogate . This year to date, Jen and LT have taken first place at Huby and Sutton, Otley and Cheshire County shows, proving once again how much can be achieved with a little love, patience and hard work.

Karen Hunton