To Arena UK, our sponsors, our supporters and our competitors we have to say a really big thank you. Each year this competition has raised thousands of pounds for Spinal Research and before the competition on Saturday 24th April 2010, we let it be known that it would be a wonderful result if, with everybody’s help, we could push the total raised for Spinal Research to exceed the £50,000 mark for the ten years.

The day started well as we had had the foresight to order a sunny day with little or no wind!! Arena UK had prepared the arenas to a very high standard and we awaited the arrival of the competitors with eager anticipation. Our team of enthusiastic and hard working helpers were ready and waiting, not only to ensure everything ran to time, but more importantly to encourage and support the competitors where necessary, hoping to make sure that everyone had a great day out. The competition had classes ranging from ‘Intro’ through to ‘Elementary’ both morning and afternoon. Novice and ‘first time’ competitors were made very welcome and encouraged to enjoy the experience of competing on superb arenas at such a prestigious venue. Although the competition is unaffiliated, it also attracted some very experienced riders for the Novice and Elementary classes and all classes were hotly contested.

There were prestigious rosettes sponsored by Equestrian Life magazine presented to 6th place for all the classes. The winners picked up some very generous prizes provided for each class by our sponsors –Hoof Aloof, Retford Saddlery, Forrest Feeds, NAF equestrian, Gonalston Farm Shop and Burleys of Southwell. Kittie Dowell riding Cuffstown Lucie won the perpetual shield for the young rider (under 13) with the highest Prelim score of the day.

The feedback from supporters and competitors alike was that it was another great day’s sport and the money raised was going to a very worthy cause and one dear to most rider’s hearts. The raffle, as usual, had some terrific prizes and sales of tickets were brisk. The ever increasing total kept moving ever closer to the desired target figure.

Thanks to everyone’s generosity and superb commitment to this competition we are delighted to tell you all, that the total that has been raised for Spinal Research in the 10 years we have been running this competition has now exceeded £50,000. A magnificent effort on the part of everybody. Thanks to you all!!!

Arena UK has already invited us back to run a similar competition on behalf of Spinal Research in 2011 and although the date has yet to be fixed if you would like to be the first to hear about it and receive a schedule and entry form by e-mail please contact us at cbnewton@talktalk.net.