SUPERB weather ensured the success of one of the area's most popular equine events. More than 200 visitors and competitors enjoyed the annual Croome Pony Club Parents' Association Fun Show, which took place at Upton Snodsbury recently.

Competitors ranged in age from three to 55 and all enjoyed taking part in the showing classes, such as best turned out, exciting show jumping and thrilling gymkhana games.

Riders competed in pairs, jumping against the clock, and those who had any energy left to spare in the searing heat entertained spectators in the horse and hound jumping class.

They had to complete a round of jumps on their horse and then attempt to complete the same course on foot whilst leading their dog over the various jumps.

Julia Tyrrell, chairman of the parent's association, said: "Some needed more encouragement than others. The gaps underneath the poles were just too tempting for some of the tiny terriers who had the crowds roaring with laughter when they tripped their owners up by scuttling underneath the poles.

"We were so lucky with the weather. People travelled to Upton Snodsbury from miles around because they knew they would have an enjoyable day out."

The popular event raised more than £900 which will be donated to charity.

Pet grant will help to build

riding school

ONE of the country's largest equine charities, HorseWorld in Whitchurch, Bristol, is to receive a £10,000 grant to help fund the installation of an outdoor riding school.

HorseWorld is responsible for more than 400 horses, ponies and donkeys, many saved from appalling conditions of neglect and abandonment.

The £10,000 donation from the Petplan Charitable Trust will help fund the installation of an outdoor riding school to help rehabilitate horses prior to them being re-homed.

Petplan said: "We felt that HorseWorld deserved this grant in recognition of their rescue and rehabilitation work.

"When the animals arrive at HorseWorld, they are often desperately ill and neglected, requiring intensive treatment to enable them to trust humans again. Exercise in the new outdoor riding school is an integral part of this treatment."

The grant forms part of The Petplan Charitable Trust's annual financial awards. This year more than £125,000 has been donated to a variety of deserving welfare charities.