AMBLESIDE endurance rider Kath McGhee is celebrating national awards as she and her horse Foxghyll’s Filly were out to prove a point this year.

The Cumbria Endurance GB rider and her 20-year-old horse won three national trophies, including the Veteran Championship, and they finished second in the Senior National Championship.

The Cotswold Trophy now belongs to McGhee, which is awarded to the pony (14.2hh or under) and senior rider combination gaining the most points in all types of competition rides.

She also claimed the Regent Trophy, which goes to the rider with an unregistered horse or pony gaining the most points in all types of competition rides, and Kirkby Thore’s Ann Aldridge celebrated her 80th Birthday this year and with her pony Mycathlly Golden Sunshine she picked up the Pitchford Trophy for the best performance by a native pony, beating her nearest rivals by 470 points.

Finally McGhee was among the Cumbrians who were not going to let their teamwork go unnoticed as they finished second in the National Green Dragon Award, which is given to the best performing team of four riders and nominated at the start of the season.

Despite the problems to fixtures caused by the inclement weather, they managed to accumulate more than 5,500 points.

Earlier this year they were also awarded the Best Conditioned horse at the Scottish Championship where they came a close second in a 100mile endurance race.

Over the last five years they have won numerous trophies but this has been their best year.

Endurance riding ranges from the 100 mile international senior championship distance to 10 mile pleasure rides.

The Cumbria Group is organise three competitive events at Ullswater, Tebay and Oddendale each year and pleasure and training rides at several venues including Armathwaite. .

More information can be found at www.endurancegbcumbria.co.uk.