THE heavens opened at Bromsgrove and District Riding Club's first show weekend of the season but organisers say it was a huge success despite the appalling weather.

Sponsored by Weaver Plc and FCS Cost Consultants, the dressage and combined training on the first day of the event, which was held earlier this month, was well supported with all riders appreciating the high standard of judging from Zena Dewhurst, Sally Ingram and Christine O'Connor. The open show was also well supported with a record 19 riders in the best rider class.

The first of the Shires all-horse unaffiliated qualifiers had to be cancelled because of the rain.

The next qualifier will take place tomorrow at the club's open show, with a top prize of £500 for the championship winner. RESULTSD1 PONY CLUB WALK AND TROTJuniors: 1. Verity Matthews on Toby; 2. Sophie Bosworth on Vinny; 3. Hana Burchell on Tamara and Sophie Bosworth on Cash.Seniors: 1. Victoria Lewis on Murphy; 2. Debbie O'Connor on Polly; 3. Anna Cox on Hagar.PRELIM 4Juniors: 1. Pippa Matthews.Seniors: 1. Lisa Beavan on Celtic Star; 2. Abigail Baldrey on Tremadog Bay; 3. Bobbie Matulja on Herbert.PRELIM 1Juniors: 1. Hana Burchell on Tamara; 2. Larissa Payton on Three Times A Lady.Seniors: 1. Dawn Hoffman on Silky; 2. Claire Cartwright on Smartie; 3. Debbie O'Connor on Poly.PRELIM 7 COMBINED TRAININGJuniors: 1. Pippa Matthews.Seniors: 1. Sue Pinfield on Maisie and Sue Simmons on Shanti; 2. Penny Grant on Buster; 3. Sarah Lammas on Amy.PRELIM 10 OPEN COMBINED TRAINING1. Dawn Shillingford on Namur; 2. Jayne Armstrong on Penycrug Morgan; 3. Jane Evans on Holly.NOVICE 211. Rachel Woodford on Casper; 2. Bobbie Matulja on Herbert; 3. Abigail Baldrey on Tremadog.