Dressage competition gives hall fund boost

Stables owner Melissa Brooks, whose late husband Nick had put tremendous effort into fundraising for the premises from the start, in 2002, was delighted by the amount raised.

She said: "We were awarded 300,000 Lottery funding in March and have to start building by January. It is very exciting to think that the project into which Nick put so much work is going to become a reality.

"Sophie is still running the 200 Lottery Club which gives four monthly prizes, with first prize just under 200. More people can support this extremely worthwhile cause by joinging the club Lottery for just 5 a month by ringing Sophie Brooks on 01243 773255."

The charity day had near-perfect weather and the 47 entries were spread across four classes, ranging from the new British Dressage 2009 Walk and Trot test to Novice 25.

Donations of 30 on the day were received and prizes were sponsored by Mrs Jill Wright of Wepham, the aunt of the late Nick Brooks.

Amy Clarke riding Balingarry, who won both the third and forth class, is one of Boxgrove Competition Stables liveries and has regular lessons with Andrew Murphy during his monthly clinics at Boxgrove.

For full story and results see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette August 26