By Elizabeth Broughton

Last updated at 14:21, Monday, 13 September 2010

Thousands descended on Hutton-in-the-Forest at the weekend to soak up the atmosphere at one of Cumbria’s biggest horse riding events.

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• Video: Hutton international horse trials

Hutton International Horse Trials had to be cancelled last year after falling victim to the damp summer – but this year it was all sunshine and showers for two days of top-class eventing.

More than 5,000 spectators came to watch the spectacle, which saw 600 horse and rider combinations compete in the three disciplines of cross country, dressage and show jumping.

Local riders – including 17-year-old Amy Derwent, from Cockermouth – took to the course during the competition, which, according to organisers, saw more young winners than ever before.

There was also a food hall, 40 trade stands and an activity centre to keep the whole family entertained.

One of the young riders enjoying success was 16-year-old Holly Wybergh, daughter of Cumberland Farmers Foxhounds Master Peter Wybergh, who scooped the top prize in the Horslyx BE90 Section B.

Meanwhile, the hotly contested Cumberland Challenge Cup – an accumulator points challenge for British Eventing in Cumbria – was won by 21-year-old physiotherapist Sam Magennis, from Abbeytown.

She pipped her friend, Brampton School teacher Claire Garlick, to the prize: “It feels absolutely great, although I feel awful having to beat my friend to win.”

Douglas Weymouth, the Event Organiser and Course Designer, said: “It has been wonderful to see so many young riders winning at Hutton in the Forest and beating the senior riders, many of whom are professionals. They really have excelled to win, and we should be keeping our eye on them for the future.”

The trials take place on the estate of Lord and Lady Inglewood and have been running for three years.

First published at 11:29, Monday, 13 September 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk