OLYMPIC gold medallists joined local competitors at the Belsay International Horse Trials.

Olympic Gold medallist Oliver Townend and Great Britain Team Rider Izzy Taylor joined popular local and Scottish competitors Ian Stark, Emma Hobday and Jack Mantel at the Belsay Trials.

Event organiser Laura de Wesselow said: "We are thrilled that the event was such a success. 

"I would like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors, competitors and trade stands who support the event, but most of all to the huge army of volunteers that give up their time to give everyone such a fantastic experience here at beautiful Belsay."

 

Hexham Courant: COMPETE: Olympic Gold Medallist Oliver Townend competing at BelsayCOMPETE: Olympic Gold Medallist Oliver Townend competing at Belsay (Image: Supplied)

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Laura added: "There was excitement surrounding the big classes at this hugely popular International Fixture – the British Pony Championship, the CCI2* Long Format for Juniors and the CCI2* Short Format competition for seniors, the first leg of the big money prize league CCI2*-S Northumberland Challenge.

Hexham Courant: SCORE: Erin Jennings, who was one rider crowned a British National Pony ChampionSCORE: Erin Jennings, who was one rider crowned a British National Pony Champion

"The weather held well and overnight rain on Thursday ensured perfect ground conditions for the cross country."

She said they were 'delighted' with the number of visitors over the weekend, which coincided with the Northumberland County Show and other Jubilee events.

Hexham Courant: JUNIORS: Isabelle Cook, a junior competitor JUNIORS: Isabelle Cook, a junior competitor

Laura said Dame Margaret Barbour, the chairman of clothing brand and event sponsor Barbour, made a Royal Toast to the Queen on Saturday.

Former Olympic Medallist and British team stalwart Tina Cook led a course walk on Thursday afternoon to raise awareness and money for the British Eventing Support Trust, a new initiative modelled on the Injured Jockey Fund.

Hexham Courant: EVENT: Isabelle Cook was in first and second place in Dressage and Cross Country EVENT: Isabelle Cook was in first and second place in Dressage and Cross Country

Laura said: "It aims to help riders through difficult times, whether recovering from an accident or dealing with mental health issues.

"Belsay also raised funds for the humanitarian relief fund organised by British Equestrians for Ukraine. With raffles and auctions as well, more than £3,000 was raised over the weekend to be split between the two charities," she said.

She added that the Belsay Dog Show was a huge success, attracting big entries and raised more than £800 for Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter. 

Sports club Border Reiver Archers attended, alongside a funfair and a number of trade stands including Barbour stockist, Sanderson's of Morpeth.