A spectacular Spring Show jumping Show for Scotland's show jumpers was once again held for the fourth consecutive year at Devon leisure.

The Carluke Spring Show got off to a superb start with over 50 entries in the first class. The show organised by Andrew Hamilton, Scotland's Gentleman's champion show jumper was over the moon at the way the show ran. Despite huge entries in the first two classes of the day competitors thanked Andrew at the way in which the show was managed.

Two course designers John Kennedy and George Blacky made sure that competitors were challenged fairly by some well laid out tracks.

Iain Urquart on the gate and manning the boards assisted competitors at all times allowing classes to run smoothly. Andrew would especially like to thank everyone who assisted in the running of the show, including his wife Kim.

The Carluke Spring Show is always a popular event for Scotland's Show jumpers but this year following the outbreak of foot and mouth, it was clear to see that show jumpers around Scotland were eager to make up for lost time caused by the tragic outbreak that had rendered many of Scotland's Show jumpers stranded at home.

Third prize winner in the Hadrian Equine Discovery class sponsored by crockettes Equestrian

The show started with the Charles Owen British Novice at 10am. Turnout for the start of the show was especially good, considering a weekday start to the show. Angela James was the shows first prize winner and took home the first prize of £30 on her novice steed, Smart Performer having out jumped 59 entries.The class was kindly sponsored by Farrier, Mr A.Nimmo

The Hadrian Equine Discovery Class didn't get underway until 1.35pm due to the large number of unexpected entries in the first class.

Riders were however patient and eager to compete and the Discovery saw nearly one hundred competitors come forwards to participate in this two phase round.

The fourth class of the day the 1.15m Open, finished as night fell and flood lights were switched on to light the way for the last class of the day's show, the URL Ltd Stable Express, 1.25m qualifier.

The 1.15m Open sponsored by Farm trade Ltd was changed to a speed class to assist with the flow of the classes. The class saw some superb speedy rides and most definitely apprecited by spectators.

Lindsay Babes on Silver Sire

Lindsay Babes

The Ladies championship was truly breath taking with horses and riders competing over a large track of fences of up to 1.50m.

Some spectacular rounds by lady jumpers and their mounts. The First three places qualifying them for the Royal International Show at Hickstead later on in the year. The track proved to be difficult and the last fence caught most of the competitors out, with the horses bringing down the pole on the last fence.Only 6 horses jumped clear to go forward to the jump off.

Lindsay Babes jumped a spectacular clear round on Silver Sir assuring her of her place for Hickstead but last to go was Carol Richardson riding Harvey Smith's Dun Sire.

Carol Richardson

Spectators drew breath as Carol entered the arena, Dun Sire was a very strong competitor and ridden by a very experienced rider Carol Richardson who had previously won Fridays 1.25m Open on Elizabeth Astall's Panama Springbrook and second place in the same class on Sky News also owned by Elizabeth.

Carol rode a spectacular round and despite the torrential rain came in clear with a second to spare giving her the title and a fantastic first prize of £200!

WET WET WET!

Andrew Hamilton Does It Again

The Scottish Gentleman's Championship was held under the same appalling weather conditions with rain falling vertically from the blackened skies overhead. It was quite clear that it was set for the class.

Six top horses and riders went through to the jump off including two stallions, but the track proved difficult! John White on Lochlaiden jumped a spectacular clear round but very disappointingly finished with time faults.

Andrew Hamilton riding the stallion Ludwig who has recently returned from competition in Europe where he was competing with Tim Stockdale, jumped an excellent round. Ludwig approached the last fence with confidence but unfortunately just clipped the top pole.

Douglas Duffin On Dauntless Prince

Last to Go was Dauntless Prince owned by Diana Ferguson and ridden by Douglas Duffin. With the safety net of no clear rounds and Andrew's 4 faults it was clear to see that he was riding a safe course and going for clear.

Douglas approached the last fence with 0 faults and a great deal of caution. The crowds looked on awaiting the last jump! The atmosphere broke when he too brought down the last fence! Everyone awaited the time result.

Unluckily Douglas's caution had lost him time. A spectacular effort none the less! Prizes were presented by class sponsor Liz Smith of Dengie Horse Feeds.

Douglas Duffin on
Diana Ferguson's
Dauntless Prince

The days event was followed by a disco and a drink in the bar where competitors exchanged views on their days events. The weather had already been forgotten!A busy day ahead for Sundays events saw some competitors turning in early whilst others danced the night away.

Sunday saw yet more superb rounds over impressive tracks. Harley Lea on Kia Royale won the first prize of £100 in the J&B Food Novice Grand Prix. Douglas Duffin took first in the B&C qualifier, and Micha Irvine winning the very last class of the show on Meadowhead Megane in the 1.25m Open Championship qualifier.

All in all a spectacular show for Scotland! Well done to everyone!