DESPITE some seriously threatening skies, the weather stayed fine for both days of Skipton Building Society Horse Trials at the weekend.

The 20th anniversary British Eventing affiliated event, held at Heslaker Farm, Carleton, attracted the usual large number of riders from across the North.

Not just for the equestrian minded, the event saw riders - including section winner , professional event rider, Matthew Wright on several horses - put through the three disciplines, dressage, showjumping and cross country.

Councillor Linda Brockbank, newly elected chairman of Craven District Council, and a keen horse rider, was there on Sunday for one of her very first official engagements.

"I've had a really good time, everyone has been very friendly and I shall be hoping to come back again in August," she said.

Sheila Pilling, committee member, said it had been a wonderful couple of days and thanked all the volunteers who helped out.

"We have been so lucky with the weather, and apart from a bit of rain on Sunday, its been fantastic," she said.

Jennifer Crawley, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, ended up staying the whole day.

"I do ride, but I'm more of a happy hacker, this has been really exciting, some of the jumps look incredibly scary.

"I watched Badminton this year and really enjoyed it, so I thought I'd come along and see it for myself."

And Hazel Bridge, from Pateley Bridge, said: "I was at Bramham last week and had to get pushed out of the car park because of all the rain, so I've one eye on the sky and I've left my car close to the exit. But I really love coming to Skipton, there's a smashing atmosphere, its really friendly."

Mandy and Peter Riley, from Leathley, near Otley, were at the event with their new generation protective riding wear - Helite.

Mandy, a keen exponent since suffering a fall that left her unable to drive, is on a mission to get everyone into a protective jacket.

She has even 'blinged' up a jacket for her fashion conscious daughter.

"We've really come a long way from the first bulky back protectors, the ones we're making now are much lighter and not restrictive at all," said Mandy.

Results from the event are on the British Eventing website.

Photos by: Nick Gill , Becca Bridge and Amanda Douglas-Smith (Nick Gill Photography)