YOUTH and experience combined to give a pairing from Yarm and District Saddle Club a fine third place in the recent British Horse Society pairs cross-country championships.

Michelle Clough on Vestalka and Colin Saint, riding Clint, teamed up for the national competition at Richmond equestrian centre earlier this month after qualifying at Penshaw in August.

The well-built course tested the resolve of horses and riders who travelled from all corners of the UK for the event, which was adjudged a resounding success