ROYAL guards have paid a moving tribute to a grand old fell pony, which has died at the age of 31

On the day of the eclipse of the moon the Osolo-based Kings Guards played a special bugle call for Penrith-based Edenbridge Monstroller who so obviously enjoyed the military music at the great occasions he attended, writes Malcolm Bewsher.

Moonstroller, who died of a heart attack was partnered by Jane Brindley for 25 years and last year was a star at the veteran horse parade in the fell pony breed show, where a Chelsea pensioner present him with a special rosette.

The great old horse had 1500 wins during his career, competed in 27 Lowther driving trials and at Holker Hall in 1976.

Only last year Moonstroller won classes at Dufton, Eskdale and Langholm shows.

Jane regularly rode Moonstroller to hunt with Cumberland Farmers Foxhounds and she rode him on Christmas Day.

For 23 years he appeared in the Horse parade, Battersea, and was in the Queen's Silver Jubilee parade at Balmoral.

He had wins at Goodwood, Holyrood Palace and Smiths Lawn and competed at Wembley in 1999.

Jane has received many tributes in his memory, especially from Norwegian show jumping judge Knut Enger.

n Junior show jumper Karl Bowman has clinched the Coppice Acres Scholarship Trophy for his achievements at shows throughout 2000.

With Theresa and Ken Warwick's Cavalcade he competed at Wembley and internationally.

Karl, who is trained by his mother, received the award from Jacky Wood, chief executive of the BSJA, at the Olympia Show Jumping Championship.

The Penrith-based rider was the third Cumbrian to receive the award following Sarah Fox (1990) and Simon Buckley (1999).

Julie Robinson also had a worthwhile trip to Olympia where she finished sixth in the Baileys Ridden Mountain and Moorland Championship and had the best fell pony.

Julie rode Paul Metcalfe's five-year-old Lunesdale Rowan, by Lunesdale Henry out of Rosebud, bred by Bert and Carol Morland from Tebay.

She was delighted to ride in this prestigious championship along with 32 other finalists, having ridden Lunesdale Prince Henry last year.

Lunesdale Rowan qualified for the Trailblazers Dressage semi-final in the novice and preliminary levels and will also be aimed at Wembley this year.

Connie Logan's Shetland pony Riccalton Pewter, ridden by Craig Chadwick, clinched three firsts as well as second and third placings in the Shetland Pony Grand National.