Sunshine & success at Houghton Hall

The Subaru Houghton International Horse Trials in Norfolk played host to another fantastic Event plus family entertainment over the weekend, including the culmination of the first British meeting of the FEI’s Nations Cup CIC3* series.

The event team which is headed by London 2012’s Eventing Manager Alec Lochore put on additional competition to give the opportunity for Olympic hopeful riders from around the world to impress selectors after the cancellation of Badminton earlier in May.

Alec said of the occasion: "It was a great honour to host this high quality field with so many nations, in the first running of this new competition. I hope it will develop and expand in the coming years."

The Nations Cup title went to Norfolk’s own Piggy French riding her 2010 and 2011 British Squad ride, Jakata. Dereham-bred Piggy said:"It's been difficult to keep Jakata right mentally and physically with so many cancellations recently. But today he went really well without a big effort and he was on his game and in a different league. Houghton is an amazing venue and it is a lovely event to come to especially since I get so much local support here."

There were numerous titles up for grabs at Houghton Hall in total with one of Britain’s 2011 Young Rider gold medalists Tom McEwen, from Swindon took the CCI2* title riding Diesel. Lincolnshire’s Alex Postolowsky took the CCI* title with her ride, the aptly named Wow II whilst Dorset-based Australia rider Sam Griffiths took the CIC3* section D title, riding Real Dancer to victory.

Full information and results are available on www.houghtoninternational.co.uk