Mad March dressage event marks the start of the season at Mundole Equestrian arena

THE weather was glorious for the first competition of the year at Mundole Equestrian.

The traditional Mad March Dressage event got the action underway at the Moray arena.

Judged by Wilma Halkett from Rothiemay and Steven Cruickshank from Elgin, who were pleased to be outdoors again, the event was commended for the high standard of horses' presentation.

In a new themse this year, competitors were given a freestyle option to try, without music.

A Mundole spokesperson said: "This is where riders make up a test and are scored for their harmony and partnership as well as the inventiveness of the choreography."

One of the highlights of the day saw Roseisle grandmother Sheena Dean being placed just ahead of her seven-year-old grandaughter from Kinloss, Jessica Davidson - a partnership to look for in the future.

Results.

WT1: 1 Anna Robertson, Buckie (Touch the Stars); 2 Sheena Dean, Roseisle (Jaja de Jeu); 3 Jessica Davidson, Kinloss (Megland Royal Pretence)

WT4: 1 Anna Robertson (Touch the Stars); 2 Jane Howard, Mosstowie (Cruising Lady Charlotte); 3 Jessica Davidson (Megland Royal Pretence)

Prelim 1: 1 Pauline Wilkins, Elgin (Bugsy); 2 Kaitlyn Sutton, Flichity (Ols Zazu); 3 Laura Reid, Darnaway (Dunkerrin Leader)

Prelim 15: 1 Harriet Hughes, Inverness (Calley)

Novice 24: 1 Vikki James, Craigellachie (Allendra Sunshine); 2 Stan Payne, Croy (Chance); 3 Kaitly Sutton (Ols Zazu)

Novice 22: 1 Neve Smith, Nairn (Finnerty); 2 Kelly Steel, Elgin (Misty); 3 Stan Payne (Chance)

Elementary 42: 1 Sara Stevens, Dyke (Fagaire of Croila); 2 Kelly Steel (Misty)

Elenentary 43: 1eq Candy Cameron, Dores (Chaco) and Sara Stevens (Faguire of Croila); 3 E Bell, Cawdor (Hillview Sally)

Freestyle: 1 Kirsteen Macleod, Forres (Bruno); 2 Sara Stevens (Faguire of Croila); 3 Candy Cameron (Chaco)