Partners Alwyn McLain and Steven Monaghan achieved a win apiece at the second of Fife Riding Club’s winter dressage series contests.
Scoring the highest winning mark of the day 73.33% Steven topped the elementary 49 class on-board his relatively new ride, Don Noir II.
Known at home as Donald, the gelding, which was previously ridden by Joanna Hamilton, previously won on his affiliated competitive debut with Steven in both his novice classes at the Morris Equestrian Centre in August.
With 75 BD points to his credit, he also recently gained a second place at Snec in October.
Steven took the class win ahead of event rider Elaine McDonald and her horse Wizzard who in turn also successfully topped the novice 30 test.
Elaine, who funds her riding by working full time as a police officer, competes at affiliated BD during the winter season, riding to elementary level.
Having enjoyed a successful year of eventing during 2013, with wins at both Little Hopetoun and Kirkley Hall as well as a fifth placing at the Scottish Championships at Hendersyde, Elaine is maintaining her momentum by competing in both the dressage and showjumping arenas ahead of the new season.
“I recently moved yard to Lochore Meadows and I have been hugely encouraged there by owners Nick and Lynne,” explained Elaine.
“I’m now planning some British Showjumping over the next few months and arena events in preparation for the upcoming event season,” she added.
Elaine bought Wizzard as a “very green” five-year-old.
She has produced him herself from the outset.
“I’ve had fabulous help from my trainers Catherine Eardley and Elisabeth Leslie,” she added.
The second of the novice wins from the N24 test went to Jenna Cushnie and Forever Taboo.
Jenna, who is a primary school teacher, has owned the 12-year-old Irish sports horse for the last five years.
Another combination which predominantly events, they are gearing towards competition at BE 90 and 100 level and also aim to progress to elementary dressage during the coming year.
Meanwhile in the prelim levels, Alwyn took the win with consistent performer Join the Dots from the prelim 12 class.
Join the Dots, which is owned by Lady Kate Robertson, won the same class on his previous outing, when piloted by Liam McGurnaghan.
The intro class was won for the second month in a row by FRC member Rhona Beda and her four-year-old mare Lia.
The initial prelim class prelim 4 was topped by Carla Ryce on her ex-racehorse Diamond Jim.
To celebrate in festive spirit the dressage classes, held at the club ground beside Glenrothes, also included a fancy dress element.
Long-term Fife Riding Club member Hilary Moore judged the entrants.
The winner was announced as Colin Reddie riding Paloma.
The club would like to thank all those who helped to run the competition.
Entries are now open for the next competition on January 26.
The league is open to members and non-members.
Results
Intro B: 1 Rhona Beda, Lia, 66.03; 2 Alison Pilmer, Tarantello, 65.22; 3 Deborah Deveney, Guinness, 64.78. Prelim 4: 1 Carla Ryce, Diamond Jim, 67.04; 2 Gemma Dixon, Storm, 63.41; 3 Shirley Mackay, Leo, 60.91. Prelim 12: 1 Alwyn McLain, Join the Dots, 68.84; 2 Caroline Lees, Harvey, 64.80; 3 Carla Ryce, Diamond Jim, 64.4. Novice 24: 1 Jenna Cushnie, Forever Taboo, 70.38; 2 Susannah Hutchison, Unique, 70.19; 3 Alwyn McLain, Join the Dots 69.04.
Novice 30: 1 Elaine McDonald, Wizzard, 68.30; 2 Kate Howitt, Paris, 63.08; 3 Fiona McGregor, Morlyn Braveheart, 61.54. Elementary 49: 1 Steven Monaghan, Donald, 73.33; 2 Elaine McDonald, Wizzard, 69.83; 3 Mandy Law, Innes, 63.83.