A NEW affiliated dressage venue has been opened between Scruton and Kirkby Fleetham in North Yorkshire.

Val Stubbs of Penwell Farm, Little Fencote, Northallerton has been successfully running unaffiliated dressage for several years and hopes to continue.

She has a 20x60m sand Pasada arena which will be used as a warm-up area and room for several grass arenas.

She said: "We have a very enthusiastic team to run events who aim to create a pleasant atmosphere and encourage young people to participate. I believe that if riders had a better understanding of even basic dressage, their performance in other spheres would be greatly improved.

"My husband's family has farmed here for almost 100 years, working Clydesdale horses until the late Fifties.

"I have a life-long interest in the breeding and showing of ponies, my most prolific winner being Bourneside Spanish Breeze, now retired to stud."

For 2003 dressage dates call 01609 748456 (organiser) or 07713 089591 (secretary). The venue is three miles from the A1 with easy access.