CHILWORTH Riding Club became the British Riding Clubs' National Dressage Champions at the weekend.

The four members of the team, their horses and supporters, led by Team Manager Karen Knowlton, travelled to Lincoln to compete in the Championship.

The team members and their horses were Cassie Scaife on UBS, Vanessa Nicholas on Ballybane Victoria, Sarah Loveday-Lovell on Ribaldi Utopia and Maria Hoare on Prussian Prinz.

To get to the Championships, the team had to qualify at one of 23 qualifiers held across the UK.

Vanessa and Cassie had represented the club at last year's championships in the individual dressage discipline, and were both determined to return for the 2004 event with a team.

Vanessa and Sarah both won their sections with beautiful tests, showing rhythm and impulsion.

Cassie was second in hers with what she felt was one of the best tests that she and UBS had ever done, while Maria was fourth with another well executed and flowing test.

The team ended on only four penalty points, one of the best results ever recorded at the event and thirteen points clear of the runners-up.

The team were trained by Kay Waterman and Matt Hicks. At the presentation ceremony, the team was festooned with rosettes and champion sashes. They received prizes from the sponsors, Derby House, and vouchers from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.

Kate Lock and Katherine's Legacy represented Chilworth in the individual dressage event and were placed seventh. "It was just a fantastic weekend, and a dream come true to win," said Team Manager Karen Knowlton. "It was a superbly organised event at a wonderful venue. We all want to be back there again next year".