30th August was the dressage day at the Area Competition at Somerley Park, which turned out to be a great venue to have all three disciplines.

We had a team and two individuals competing for us, and I was extremely proud of them all. There were two people new to competing at Area Level which was great and bodes well for our chances in future, even though we didn't finish as high up the placings as we had hoped. The team ended up a very creditable 6th.

Laura Macfarlane did a super test and was in the lead for most of the day, just being pipped into 2nd at the last minute. Lauren Innes & Bell looked great at their first Area Competition, ending up 4th, having had the slight handicap of going early as well, but that's dressage for you! Emma Strang had a minor error but was still 5th which shows the good bits were very good! Unfortunately Hannah was just out of the places with a correct, safe test. Alicia Beavon and Grace Bovil were our individuals and just missed places as well.

All in all we had a great day, with one of the best ever picnics!! And I think we were very well represented, thank you.

Earlier in the year Laura Macfarlane was selected to compete for the British Young Riders Team at Blarney Dressage Festival on 6 July. She and Annie gained a silver medal with the team and a bronze medal individually - congratulations!