TWO pony shows were held side by side at the weekend.

The Dales Pony Society annual spring and stallion shows were at Richmond Equestrian Centre on Saturday, after previous events were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A total of 46 classes in four rings included all spring show and festival classes.

Among the result highlights were Lynda Johnson with Tarbarl Hogmanay, stable name Charlie, who won the dressage prelim and novice classes to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show and the NPS Dressage finals in 2022.

The hotly-contested spring show in hand classes produced fine examples of the breed.

Taking top spot in the in-hand section A youngstock was Kate Wilson’s Carrock Fashion and reserve went to J Pennell’s Nipna Polly.

The winner of the senior mare, David Eccles’ Westwick Polly, also was overall in hand champion with the second placed mare from the senior mare class, Everett Hayes and Sarah Nobles’ Stuffynwood Beauty’s Magic in reserve.

Both ponies were shown by junior members of the family – David Eccles’ daughter Emma handling Westwick Polly and Stuffynwood Beauty’s Magic shown by Everett Hayes’ son Jim.

Show secretary René Bradley said: “These two youngsters really are a chip off the old block – move over dads as the kids are taking over.”

She added: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our judges, stewards and officials for all their hard work before and during the event.

"Richmond Equestrian Centre was an excellent venue, and we hope to be back again there next year for the 2022 Festival.

"The weather was kind to us and everyone seemed to be smiling, and happy to finally be back out doing what they love, so now it’s on to the Summer Breed Show on August 7, at Streatlam near Barnard Castle, when we hope all pandemic restrictions will finally have been lifted and we can return to normal.”