This years area qualifier was hosted by Llandudno Riding club in a beautiful setting in the Welsh Hills. We entered two teams one Novice and one intermediate. It was a case of so near yet so far! The Novice Team consisted of Richard Dodds and Milo , Anne Dawson and Agent Mulder, Deb Walton and Maisie and Hannah Thomas with Oaklands Irish Secret . We ended the first round on 0 and the second round on 4 to jump off for second place and a qualifiying position but everyone except Deb lowered a pole in the jump off so we came 4th, Deb was clear but slow and managed a credible 4th individual place – well done Deb . The intermediate team was Karen Clarke and Paddy, Sonya Wilson and the Brewer, Nicky Baird and Flair and Janet Brereton and Zip. Again ending the first round on 0 and the second round on 4 we jumped off against 3 teams for first place and a qualifying position but all ended up with faults. Richard Dodds added to the excitement as on his way home broke down on the A55 and had to be rescued making a long day very long ! I don't think his car was very keen on the welsh hills.

Kathy Baker