Despite the very wet weather the event was an even bigger success than last year with both classes (one walk/trot test, one Prelim) full to capacity.

Cross-training is a new type of event created by Lothians, where riders compete in two phases: first, a dressage test and then on to a 16km endurance ride run under normal SERC rules but scored using a formula based on speed and final heart rate of the horse.

The winner is the person who scores the most points for placings in dressage and endurance phases.

With separate rosettes for pleasure ride completion, dressage placings,
overall placings and best turned out prizes there was the potential to go home with an armful of rosettes – which is exactly what Dot Ross riding Coco of Caldside, winner of class 2, did!

The event will be held again next year, possibly at a different venue to allow even more people to take part.

Class 1, Overall

1, Kathryn Oliver, Merry, (combined score) 26; 2, Alison Buchan, Ellisterislay Harmony, 26; 3, Margaret Wardrop, Rob Roy, 25.

Class 2, Overall

1,Dot Ross, Coco of Caldside, 28; 2, Louise Inness, Druid's Hill, 26; 3, Julia Critchley, Snickers, 25.

Class 1, Dressage and Endurance

Alison Buchan, Ellisterislay Harmony, (dressage score) 15, (endurance score) 11; Kathryn Oliver, Merry, 14, 12; Laura Baird, Arrayan Numa, 13, 10; Pauline McPherson, Border Duchess, 12, 9; Margaret Wardrop, Rob Roy, 11, 14; Sue Ravenhall, Vella Sunrise, 10, 8 (best turned out); Constance Newbould, Zarkrhuv, 9, 15; Nancy Murdoch, Alli Balli Bee, 8, 13.

Class 2, Dressage and Endurance

Julia Critchley, Snickers, 15, 10; Louise Inness, Druid's Hill, 14, 12; Dot Ross, Coco of Caldside (best turned out), 13, 15; Diane Smith, Masters Flash, 12, 8; Stephanie Brammer, Redhouse Islay, 12, 7; Liz Ross, Bonnie, 12, elim too fast; Alison Downing, Heathpool Pendragon, 9, 6; Kirsten Knox, Shadrach, 9, 11; Jennifer Murray, Corrie, 7, 13; Rhona Matthews, Rosie, 6, 14; Christine Finlayson, Nenthorn Dumble, 6, elim too fast; Chris West, Longriggs Magnus, 4, 5; Ashley Murden, Caleb of Drumshantie, 3, 9.